Auckland overpowered North Otago yesterday, winning 113-3 in a Ranfurly Shield match in Oamaru.
It was a clear example of the difference between the amateurs and the professionals.
North Otago, full of freezing workers and farmers, tried hard and slowly grew into its work, but Auckland, littered with Super 14 and national age group players, was in a different class, ticking all its boxes, and simply having an efficient day at the office, scoring 16 tries.
The gulf between the two sides was clear after five minutes - three converted tries by the Aucklanders - and North Otago was looking down the barrel.
If Auckland continued at that pace, it would have 300 points plus beside its name at the final whistle.
But the home side got organised and though Auckland led 73-7 at half-time, the scoring slowed down in the second half.
In the second stanza, North Otago spread its defence wider, strung a few phases together and managed a couple of breaks.
Replacement halfback Nick Webster had the line at his mercy with five minutes left but could not hang on to the ball.
Forward Samisoni TongoTongo also went close earlier, but lost the ball with the line open.
Nathan Cunningham was the sole North Otago points scorer with a penalty from 42m out, 25 minutes into the first half.
The star of the show was Auckland first five-eighth Lachie Munro.
He not only shone with the boot, knocking over 12 conversions in a row before missing one, but his passing and ability to break the line suggests he may be the next big thing coming out of the Queen City.
The first time he got the ball he ran through the home side defence, to set up the opening try for winger Jarek Goebel.
Goebel was to have a profitable afternoon, scoring four tries, as he looked for work, and showed plenty of pace.
Munro threw long accurate passes to free up the outside backs, and Auckland's game went off the boil after he moved into the midfield.
Up front, lock Dean Budd was all over the paddock, and replacement loose forward Pat Flavell - a cousin of former All Black Troy Flavell - was strong on the charge.
North Otago had only had two practice runs together before running on to the paddock and it showed in the first half.
But it held on to the ball in the second half, showed more fight at the breakdown, and ran on to the ball harder.
Winger Lemi Masoe, who moved into centre in the second half, was not afraid to take on the Aucklanders, while halfback Hamish McKenzie had a busy match.
Prop John Blakely never gave an inch and the scrums, though there were not many, were reasonably even.
Flanker and captain Ross Hay tackled all day, and replacement lock Marc Comb made a couple of good runs.
Auckland 113 (Jarek Goebel 4, Winston Stanley 4, Dean Budd 3, Mapa Tuipulotu, Grayson Hart, Kurtis Haiu, Nick White, Pat Flavell tries, Lachie Munro 12 conversions, Ash Moeke 3 conversions, Munro dropped goal), North Otago 3 (Nathan Cunningham penalty goal).
Half-time: 73-3.
