Wellington sent a warning to Auckland, who they meet in next week's round nine NPC tie for a semi final place, after an emphatic 74-20 win over Bay of Plenty in Tauranga on Sunday afternoon.

The home side may not have been the sternest opposition but there was every indication that many of the Lions' top players are returning to form just in time to make a serious push for this year's NPC title. Fly half David Holwell, who has played second fiddle to Riki Flutey for much of the season, made a sensational return to the starting line up, scoring 34 points and in the process establishing a record for a Wellington NPC player, a record which has stood since 1971.

In addition, Christian Cullen and Paul Steinmetz played some of their best football for some time and Jonah Lomu looked sharp when he came on for the final 20 minutes. Coach Dave Rennie now faces some real selection problems, a surfeit of riches the issue as he struggles to find the right mix to try to emulate the feat of winning the title in 2000.

Bay of Plenty were competitive for the first 25 minutes, the scores locked 6-6 at that point and the home side on the front foot. But then Tana Umaga's side found their rhythm and form, scoring five tries in an exhilarating 15 minute period to give them a half time lead of 41-6. With Holwell in such devastating kicking form, each try became a seven-pointer to inflate the score.

The Bay made an energetic start to the second half, as they had to , but once Wellington had steadied themselves the tries again started to come at regular intervals. Only when the visitors eased off in the final 10 minutes did the Bay manage a couple of consolation tries. So this proved just as good a defensive work out for the Wellingtonians, who can expect a sterner challenge in the capital city next Friday evening. The Bay have the thankless task of travelling to table-toppers Waikato for what is likely to prove their final game of the season. The odds are probably against Northland upsetting Southland in Invercargill which will mean they will go into a play -off game to ensure first division survival.

Scorers :

Bay of Plenty : 20 : Tries : Lutui, Gorrie Conversions : Jackson ( 2 ). Penalties : Jackson ( 2 ).

Wellington : 74 : Tries : Steinmetz ( 2 ), Umaga ( 2 ), Holwell (2), Waldrom, Vanisi, So'oialo, Lomu. Conversions : Holwell ( 9 ) Penalties : Holwell ( 2 ).