Auckland sealed their semi final spot at the Westpac Trust Stadium on Friday evening after an astonishing 47-27 victory over a completely outclassed Wellington side.

This was a comprehensive win based on the domination of the Auckland pack. They controlled possession for long periods, were able to sustain the continuity of their attacks and keep a form grip on the pace of play. More often than not this was at breakneck speed , the entire unit proving themselves adept at getting around the pitch to subdue their opponents. In contrast, the Wellington forwards never effectively competed, often failing to commit sufficient numbers to ruck and maul and consequently finding themselves going backwards and without a platform. Inevitably, their discipline came under the spotlight as their frustrations visibly festered and it was only a question of when , rather then if, lock Dion Waller would be sin-binned. It came very early in the second half and Auckland capitalized ruthlessly to score three tries in his absence to take the game well beyond Wellington's grasp.

Despite being under early pressure, the Lions had shown their trademark ability to make the most of scraps of possession, opening up a 12-0 lead in as many minutes after Spice and Cullen had scored exciting tries. The second was a gem, the result of skipper Tana Umaga breaking through the Auckland defence on half way, racing up to the 22 and feeding the full back looming on his right shoulder. But that was as good as it got for the home side, who soon found themselves pegged back after a try from hooker Keven Mealamu and the goalkicking of Carlos Spencer. An injury time penalty from his opposite number David Holwell gave the Wellington side a narrow 15-13 half time lead very much against the run of play, but then came the second half blitz.

Spencer , winger Howlett and flanker Collins all scored tries in the opening 12 minutes and the outcome had been decided. Wellington went into catch-up mode without ever suggesting they were capable of doing so. Howlett added his second after an exquisite Spencer grubber down a narrow corridor on the blindside of a scrum and impressive lock Ali Williams scored the night's most exciting five pointer. Intercepting a midfield move inside his own half, the big youngster raced to the right hand corner flag whilst leaving some very speedy defenders in his wake. Wellington hooker Shane Carter and his replacement Luke Mahoney scored consolations but nobody in the Wellington camp pretended to look consoled.

The other major beneficiaries of the night were the Otago side , camped in Christchurch awaiting tomorrow evening's Ranfurly Shield clash against Canterbury. They can let rip knowing that their semi final place is also assured. Auckland have made huge strides this season , the confidence of tonight's performance suggesting that they go into the semis as genuine title contenders.

Scorers :

Wellington : 27 : Tries : Spice, Cullen, Carter, Mahoney. Conversions : Holwell, Flutey. Penalty : Holwell.

Auckland : 47 : Tries : Howlett ( 2 ), Mealamu, Spencer, Collins, A.Williams. Conversions : Spencer ( 4 ) Penalties : Spencer ( 2 ) Dropped Goal : Devine

Teams :

Wellington : Christian Cullen, Brad Fleming, Tana Umaga ( captain ), Lome Fa'atau, Paul Steinmetz, David Holwell, Jason Spice, Rodney So'oialo, Kupu Vanisi, Thomas Waldrom, Dion Waller, Ross Kennedy, Tim Fairbrother, Shane Carter, Kas Lealamanua.

Subs : Jonah Lomu, Pita Alatini, Riki Flutey, Hemi Pou, Milton Ngauamo, John Pale, Luke Mahoney.

Auckland : Brent Ward, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Iliesa Tanivula, Sam Tuitupou, Carlos Spencer, Steve Devine, Xavier Rush ( captain ), Daniel Braid, Justin Collins, Ali Williams, Bryce Williams, Kees Meeuws, Keven Mealamu, Nick White.

Subs : James Christian, Soane Tonga'uiha, Bradley Mika, Angus MacDonald, David Gibson, Lee Stensness, Ben Atiga.