Auckland celebrate after clinching the 2005 NPC
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Teams: Auckland | New Zealand | Otago

Auckland 39 - 11 Otago

Auckland claimed their 15th NPC title as they scored five second-half tries to beat Otago 39-11 at Eden Park.

Despite a brave effort Otago could not find the form that saw them beat Canterbury in the semi-finals, while Auckland got better and better as the game progressed with Keven Mealamu, Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina, Taniela Moa, Brad Mika and Ben Atiga all crossing the whitewash.

Both sides were intent on playing running rugby with Auckland running from their 22 early on and Otago clearing the tackle area as quickly as possible. Otago drew first blood as the ever impressive Josh Blackie smashed through two defenders.

Nick Evans missed the conversion in what turned out to be a bad night for the boot with Auckland´ s Brent Ward also unable to find his range. Auckland began to dominate the game and won numerous turn-overs as Otago began to wilt.

Ward finally got a penalty over in the 20th minute but Evans cancelled that out with one of his own to make it 8-3. Auckland finally scored after a well worked move from the back of the lineout saw hooker Mealamu touch down. Ward converted to give Auckland the lead going into the break.

Otago were forced to tackle their hearts out and the gaps soon began to open for Auckland. All Black winger Doug Howlett finished off superbly despite juggling the ball before diving over in the corner. Otago clawed three points back when Evans landed a penalty after Muliaina was penalised for holding on at a tackle.

However Auckland bounced back with a solid rolling maul that saw Brad Mika power his way over which Ward converted. At 22-11 with ten minutes remaining, Otago desperately tried to get back into the game, however a spilled ball saw replacement fullback Ben Atiga swoop and scorch in from 40 meters out for Auckland's fourth try.

Howlett and Muliaina then combined well for their fifth as a long Howlett pass found his centre who outpaced the defence for his try. With time running down, Otago leaked their sixth try as replacement halfback Taniela Moa, grabbed a loose ball and noticing no-one was at home ran 60 metres down the right touch-line to score.