Rampant Wellington reclaim Ranfurly
Sat, 20 Sep 2008 12:54
Wellington finally dispelled 27 years of Ranfurly Shield misfortune - with another emphatic bonus-point victory - beating Challenge holders Auckland 27-0 in their Air New Zealand (NZ) Cup clash at Eden Park on Saturday.
The Lions' 11th challenge (since surrendering the Shield to Canterbury in 1982) finally secured the coveted Log o' Wood, as the Air NZ Cup leaders continued their devastating form, this time against an inexperienced and injury-ridden Auckland.
Jeremy Thrush opened the scoring literally from the visitor's first foray into enemy territory in the 11th minute.
Fullback Cory Jane pattered down the blindside after fielding a clearing kick from Taniela Moa, effortlessly linking with Piri Weepu who then transferred to the mobile second row forward for a simple touchdown in the corner.
Hosea Gear (the tournament's leading try-scorer) again showcased Wellington's ability to punish opponents on the counter, after a stray Auckland boot handed the Lions possession at a breakdown in the 28th minute.
Within seconds, Weepu hurled the ball to a backline marked with forwards where Thrush and Ross Filipo wisely off-loaded to Gear, whose duel with covering No.8 Peter Saili was a no contest and strolled 55 metres to the line for his 10th try of the campaign.
Weepu again failed to convert but Wellington were unfazed, looking more and more threatening during this one-sided encounter as Auckland failed to exploit their opportunities.
All Black Isaia Toeava typified Auckland's first half frustrations - looking dangerous on the break but his instinct letting him down as he either kicked aimlessly or lost contact with his support.
With the Lions leading 10-0 at the break, the trend continued in the second half.
Although Wellington also squandered opportunities, a line-out steal five metres from Auckland's line lead to hooker Dane Coles diving over untouched in the 55th minute.
Filipo then burrowed over to seal the bonus point with 18 minutes remaining, before replacement No.8 Thomas Waldrom put the nail in Auckland's coffin with a breakout try that perfectly encapsulated Auckland's poor ball retention and Wellington's ruthlessness.
There was only slight consolation for Auckland, with Canterbury still holding the record for inheriting the worst Shield loss after being blanked 35-0 by Auckland in 1995.
Wellington's only defence of the season will thus be against Tasman next weekend.
Scorers:
For Auckland:
None
For Wellington:
Tries: Thrush, Gear, Coles, Filipo, Waldrom
Con: Weepu
Teams:
Auckland: 15 Jamie Helleur, 14 Watisoni Lotawa, 13 Ben Atiga (captain), 12 Benson Stanley, 11 David Smith, 10 Isaia Toeava, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Peter Saili, 7 Daniel
Braid/Onosa'i Auva'a, 6 Dean Budd, 5 Jay Williams, 4 Stan Haukinima, 3 Nick White, 2 Tom McCartney, 1 Paea Fa'anunu.
Replacements: 16 Pauliasi Manu, 17 Charlie Faumuina, 18 Anthony Elisala, 19 Braid/Auva'a, 20 Grayson Hart, 21 Winston Stanley, 22 Simon Munro.
Wellington: 15 Cory Jane, 14 Buxton Popoali'i, 13 Tamati Ellison, 12 Tane Tu'ipulotu, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Piri Weepu (captain), 8 Victor Vito, 7 Chris Masoe, 6 Api Naikatini, 5 Ross Filipo, 4 Jeremy Thrush, 3 John Schwalger, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Eugene Smith, 17 Tim Fairbrother, 18 Thomas Waldrom, 19 Scott Fuglistaller, 20 Alby Matthewson, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Tu Umaga-Marshall.
Referee: Steve Walsh
Touch judges: Bryce Lawrence, Kelvin Deaker
TMO: Ben Skeen
