Auckland have bounced back from last week's humiliating 43-3 defeat against Canterbury as they comfortably beat Northland 37-15 in wet conditions at Eden Park.
It was a much-improved performance by Northland who were trounced 64-21 by Auckland last season.
Both sides exchanged early penalties before a lucky bounce set up Auckland's first try as Pryor Collier dived over in the 14th minute.
Forward Kurt Eklund then pushed his way over the line to extend his Auckland’s growing lead.
Northland then lost the soul of its team when Dan Pryor went off with what looked like an ankle injury.
Pryor's replacement Josh Larson then scored the visitors’ first try.
Trailing by seven at the break, Northland showed fight at the start of the second half, but poor execution from set pieces kept handing possession back to Auckland.
All Black Steven Luatua then scored a brace in the space of five minutes to put the result beyond doubt.
Northland did score a consolation try as Jone Macilai found space out wide.
Newshub.
