Auckland gained early Mitre 10 Cup bragging rights over southern neighbours Counties Manukau, with a hard-fought and often niggly 23-19 win at Eden Park.
Counties wasted no time imposing themselves on the game, when prop Kalolo Tuiloma stormed over for a try in the second minute.
Seven minutes later, Auckland wing Salesi Rayasi won the sprint for a kick over the try-line to open his team's account, but the Steelers stretched their advantage, when their scrum bullied their rivals close to the line for captain Sam Henwood to score.
But in the 10 minutes before the break, Auckland began to take control, with skipper Blake Gibson and wing Melani Nanai crossing for a 20-14 half-time lead.
The southerners cut into that margin with a try to prop Howard Sililoto after the restart, but Auckland first-five Harry Plummer steadied the ship with a long-range penalty and his teammates quelled any comeback from their opponents.
Flanker Dalton Papali'I was named man of the match and Auckland would be happy for the opening victory, with seven players making their debuts for the blue-and-whites.
"It was definitely scrappy," said Gibson. "That was to be expected.
"We were a bit disappointed in our set-piece. Every year, we know Counties will bring in the forwards and we probably didn't execute our gameplan there."
Auckland visit Northland next Sunday, while Counties Manukau host Bay of Plenty on Thursday.
Auckland 23 (Salesi Rayasi, Blake Gibson & Melani Nanai tries; Harry Plummer conversion & 2 penalties) Counties Manukau 19 (Kalolo Tuiloma, Sam Henwood, Howard Sililoto tries; Latiume Fosita 2 conversions)
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