Auckland’s class too much

The Southland Stags are off to Pukekohe to play Counties Manukau on Saturday at 4.35pm.

Despite putting in undeniable effort, the Stags are without a win after five games in the national championship.

Southland is sitting in last position of the 14 teams after a draw and four losses. Counties are not doing much better with just one win, over Bay of Plenty.

The Stags’ most recent game resulted in a 41-13 beating by Auckland at Rugby Park in Invercargill last Sunday.

Loose forward Blair Ryall and hooker Jack Taylor were again two of the best local performers.

Midfielder Matt Whaanga and wingers Viliame Fine and Michael Manson again did their reputations no harm.

The classy Auckland team produced their usual flair in the backline but also had a powerful scrum which caused problems for the Stags team who were without regular starting props Joe Walsh and Morgan Mitchell.

Stags first five-eighth Dan Hollinshead opened the scoring with a penalty goal before Auckland scored the next two tries.

Southland had their share of possession in the first half and looked like scoring at one stage but after being awarded a penalty they opted to take a shot at goal.

The potent Auckland team replied with another try to take the score to 19-6 at halftime.

The Stags were blown away soon after the resumption when conceding two more tries in quick succession.

The local supporters had temporary reason to cheer when some good ball play by the Stags led to Michael Manson scoring in the 55th minute.

Inside the last 10 minutes Auckland wing Tito Harris completed his hat-trick of tries on his debut.

Marist and Southland junior Hunter Fahey and Eastern Northern Barbarians midfielder Angus Simmers both made their NPC debuts on Sunday.

 - By John Langford