Auckland show pedigree with crushing win

ALL BLACK centre Eroni Clarke grabbed a try in each half yesterday as defending champions Auckland scored a crushing 41-29 victory over the Australian Capital Territory in a Super 12 rugby union match in Pukekohe.

Auckland ran in six tries as they maintained their unbeaten record in the Southern Hemisphere tournament. The Blues now have five wins and a draw from six matches and are on 25 points, one clear of Natal.

Lee Stensness, rookie Leo Lafaialii, Adrian Cashmore and Western Samoan international Brian Lima also crossed the line.

Auckland led 46-10 late in the match but the ACT scored three late tries to pick up a bonus point - recording 19 unanswered points in the last 10 minutes.

Joe Roff scored his eighth try of the tournament and Rod Kafer, Stephen Larkham and Tongan international Ipolito Fenukitau also dotted down.