Auckland and Canterbury both posted wins on Friday in round seven of rugby's provincial championship.
Auckland went to Rotorua in 10th place and were expected to struggle against third-placed Bay of Plenty, where the hosts led 13-3 at halftime.
But after losing three players with injuries - inluding the All Black wing Joe Rokocoko - Auckland scored four tries in the second half to win 25-20.
Only one try was scored in Whangarei where second-placed Canterbury held off a determined second-half challenge from Northland to win 5-3.
