Auckland has retained the Ranfurly Shield with a 13-9 win over Southland at Eden Park.
Auckland scored the only try of the game, with Daniel Braid charging down and recovering a Southland clearing kick and then from a resulting maul the ball was flicked wide for winger David Smith to cross. That put Auckland in front 13-6.
Southland closed the gap with a penalty two minutes from time but though they held possession for the last four minutes through 19 phases they could not get the winning points.
The Auckland win opens the way for Wellington to have a chance to lift the shield on September 20.
Wellington have been the form team of the competition withe bonus point wins in all its six games.
Auckland have won their three home games, all Ranfurly Shield defences, but lost their three away games.
