One aim of the ITM Cup is to develop and nurture the game's developing stars.
One of those twinkling assets was on show as Auckland fullback Charles Piutau marched at the head of his side's comfortable 36-16 win today against their Harbour neighbours.
The 4183 spectators who braved chilly conditions saw the traits that have Piutau marked as a developing star. His pace, timing and thumping left foot step make him a handful on attack but the other pieces of his game are equally effective - his support play, attention to defence and positional work.
There are judgment errors like some mistimed kicks at North Harbour Stadium but his progress has been brisk and eye-catching.
"He is a special player," coach Wayne Pivac agreed.
"His leg drive is superb and he always gets go forward ball for us. He just has to work on his decision-making."
Another whose work warmed Pivac was All Black lock Ali Williams, making his comeback after knee surgery. He played 60 minutes and dominated areas like the kickoffs and set piece, while skipper Daniel Braid also got back into action after a long injury layoff.
Auckland's victory assured them of a place in the playoffs, with their match with Otago and other results determining their finishing order.
They were a little sloppy in the first spell but the strength of their scrum, Gareth Anscombe's kicking and the constant threat from Piutau kept them ahead of their hosts.
For Harbour, the pain continues. They are the most consistent side in this year's series after nine straight defeats with their Tasman match their last hope of breaking that sequence.
Auckland 36 (Charles Piutau, Dave Thomas, Gareth Anscombe, Daniel Braid, Angus Ta'avao, tries; Anscombe 4 con, pen), North Harbour 16 (James Parsons, try; Codey Rei 3 pen, con). Halftime: 24-16.
