Auckland take rugby title

AUCKLAND – An All Blacks-laden Auckland side won New Zealand’s domestic rugby crown here Saturday, scoring six tries to one in a 39-11 win over Otago.

There was no shortage of motivation for the players as the final also doubled as a last chance to impress the All Blacks selectors before the team to tour the northern hemisphere is named Sunday. The Auckland stars made the most of the opportunity, overcoming a slow start to lead 10-8 at halftime.With 10 past or present All Blacks in the starting line-up and another three on the bench, Auckland had the experience to work their way into the game and they upped the tempo in the second half to score five of their six tries in the final 40 minutes.Current All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina all touched down, as did former Test players Brad Mika and Ben Atiga who pushed their claims for a return to the national side on the upcoming Grand Slam tour which takes in Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.-Nampa-AFPThe Auckland stars made the most of the opportunity, overcoming a slow start to lead 10-8 at halftime.With 10 past or present All Blacks in the starting line-up and another three on the bench, Auckland had the experience to work their way into the game and they upped the tempo in the second half to score five of their six tries in the final 40 minutes.Current All Blacks Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett and Mils Muliaina all touched down, as did former Test players Brad Mika and Ben Atiga who pushed their claims for a return to the national side on the upcoming Grand Slam tour which takes in Wales, Ireland, England and Scotland.-Nampa-AFP