Auckland have moved up to sixth on the provincial rugby table after beating Southland 27 - 13 at Eden Park.
Auckland bounced back from their surprise loss to Tasman last weekend to lead 17-13 at half-time, keeping the visitors scoreless in the second spell.
Only once in 124 years has Southland beaten Auckland in Auckland, and that was 70 years ago in 1939.
Southland are now fourth after Wellington leapfrogged the Stags with a 43 - 15 thrashing of Manawatu.
Two tries for Alby Mathewson helped the Lions move into third.after the comprehensive victory at a very windy Westpac Stadium.
Taranaki also thumped Otago 38 - 10 at New Plymouth in the night game.
