In the ITM cup today, Auckland and Wellington were in try scoring mood as they both dished out thrashings to Manawatu and Southland respectively.
Playing in front of their home crowd, Auckland ran riot with fullback Charles Piutau stepping up with a hattrick of tries while Gareth Anscombe chipped in with 20 points to help beat Manawatu 59-16.
In the capital Wellington were too good for Southland, as they ran out 40-8 winners.
