Auckland's beaten North Harbour 36-14 at Albany in the first round of the provincial rugby championship.
North Harbour led 14-nil midway through the first half with three Luke McAlister penalty goals and a try to flanker Tom Chamberlain.
But then Auckland took control of the Battle of the Bridge, going into the second half 15-14 ahead, thanks to tries to wing Chay Raui and flanker Daniel Braid.
Fullback Brent Ward got Auckland's third try and the replacement winger Dave Thomas scored the bonus point fourth late in the match.
