Auckland come flying out of the blocks to start the half. Counties try to clear the lines but the kick is blocked and recovered by Auckland who try use the overlap to spread the ball quickly but the play is killed by Stowers with a professional foul. Stowers receives a yellow are for his trouble right in front of the posts. Hickey adds the 3 points.

Try!! brilliant end to the half. Ball spread wide at the scrum. The ball is kept alive and Counties go over in the corner, making full use of the overlap. Counties Manukau take a deserved half time lead.

Brilliant play from Manukau. Quick play stretches the Auckland defense. Halai drives them 10m from the line. Pulu gives a show and go, gets over the line but the scrum half is held up. Last play of the half scrum Counties.

Tuala retakes the kick off for Counties powering his way inches to the Auckland line before being held up. Auckland somehow manage to get a crucial turnover and clear their lines.

Strong on off running by the forwards pushes Auckland into the opposition 22. Pressure takes its toll as Auckland win a penalty. Hickey finishes it nicely from the right hand touchline.

Strong scrum by Counties Manukau wins a penalty but Ki Anufe hooks it to the left of the upright from just inside 50m mark.

Ki Anufe slots a massive kick to put Counties Manukau in front for the second time. Auckland need to address their discipline. That's their 5th penalty now. 6 - 3 Counties

Both sides trying to play open expansive rugby but play becomes sloppy. Auckland concede the penelty for players on the ground just at half way. Counties going for the posts.

Counties reply right away winning a penalty straight from the kick off. The counties 5/10 slices it straight between the posts.

Hard work by the forwards pays off as Auckland get the penalty right in front of the posts. Hickey makes no mistake of the easy kick.