Wellington took maximum points at the Westpac Stadium on Friday evening, convincingly overcoming Northland 51-18 in a game of variable quality.

Tana Umaga's side were probably flattered by the final margin, but always looked the more polished and skilful outfit when they moved the ball. They compensated for their lack of bulk and height in the tight forward exchanges by the speed with which their loose forwards Waldrom , Vanisi and So'oialo were able to get to the breakdowns. The Northlanders also undermined their efforts by a tendency to lose the ball at crucial moments , depriving them of opportunities to build the continuity in their game.

Wellington established a comfortable half time lead of 23-8 through Flutey's consistent kicking and tries from Fleming and Fa'atau. Northland had taken a first minute lead through a Finch penalty, but then had to wait 30 minutes before Fero popped up on the right to score in the corner. The lack of fluency amongst the backs saw them squander a number of other promising positions.

Umaga then got the second half off to a perfect start for his side, latching on to the try scoring pass after a lovely move down the left saw him touch down under the posts. 30-8 down, Northland then enjoyed their best period of the game, getting control up front and dominating the possession and territorial stats. Maimuri scored to the left of the posts after a period of intense pressure as Northland laid siege to the Wellington line. Within striking distance, and with Wellington coming under pressure, they had their chances but again lack of composure and poor basic handling skills let them down. In the final 10 minutes Wellington pulled away with a flurry of tries, Vanisi, Cullen and Fa'atau rubbing salt in the visitors' wounds.

So Northland remain stranded at the bottom of the table, point-less and again looking desperately short of confidence and class. There was not a lot to show for all the effort up front, the lingering problems at half back a real worry to coach Bryce Woodward. Wellington played well enough without convincing that they have the tight forward resources to compete against the competition's best sides.

Scorers :

Wellington : 51 : Tries : Fa'atau ( 2 ), Fleming, Umaga, Vanisi, Cullen. Conversions : Flutey ( 3 ), Holwell ( 3 ) Penalties : Flutey ( 3 )

Northland : 18 : Tries : Fero, Maimuri Conversion : Finch Penalties : Finch ( 2 ).

Teams :

Wellington : Christian Cullen, Brad Fleming, Tana Umaga ( captain ), Pita Alatini, Jonah Lomu, Riki Flutey, Jason Spice, Rodney So'oialo, Kupu Vanisi, Milton Ngauamo, Ross Kennedy, Thomas Waldrom, Tim Fairbrother, Shane Carter, Kas Lealamanua.

Subs : Lome Fa'atau, Ma'a Nonu, David Holwell, Hemi Pou, Kane Thompson, Luke Mahoney, John Pale.

Northland : Hayden Taylor, Fero Lasagavibau, Jason Hita, Jason Shoemark, Rupeni Caucaunibuca, Regan Finch, Sam Pinder, Brett Waaka, Allen Tubbs, Glenn Taylor ( captain ), Brad Taylor, Vula Maimuri, Con Barrell, Derren Witcombe, Bronson Murray.

Subs : Jason Hammond, Tim Knight, Tim Henwood, Jared Going, Lee Peina, Robbie Johnson, Nisifolo Naufahu.