There were myriad other prominent Canterbury performers, such as debutant fullback Jordie Barrett, centre Jack Goodhue, loose forward Reed Prinsep and lock Dominic Bird. In fact, for most of the night Auckland were flat and poorly organised on defence, and fielding five lineout jumpers had no noticeable effect on their dearth of possession. Other coaches, on this evidence, will be up late at night seeking answers to how to stymie the flow of Canterbury ball from their well-formed mauls and quick rucks. Auckland return home to play Northland next Friday, and face a soul-searching week at the drawing board, while Canterbury host Crusaders franchise partners Tasman next Sunday. Canterbury 43 (J. McNicholl 2, R. Mo'unga, B. Funnell, R. Prinsep, N. Vella tries; Mo'unga 4 con, pen, B. Volavola con) Auckland 3 (S. Hickey pen) HT: 29-3- NZ Herald

Source: New Zealand Herald August 20, 2016 09:22 UTC