Auckland give Cats the 'Blues'

NO NO BOBO: Auckland Blues centre Mils Muliaina, right, fends off the tackle from South Africa's Cats counterpart Bobo Gcobani during their Super 12 rugby match at Eden Park, Auckland, yesterday morning. The Blues won 33-9. (AP)

AUCKLAND -- Auckland won its ninth Super 12 match in 10 games to all but clinch first place in the rugby union tournament, beating South Africa's Cats 33-9 yesterday.

The win was Auckland's eighth with bonus points, giving the Blues 44 of a possible 50 points in the tournament. They have a 10-point lead over fellow New Zealand side Wellington, which plays the ACT Brumbies at home today.

The Cats are in last place in the competition with two wins in 10 games.

Auckland led 21-9 at halftime.

The constant rain that drenched Auckland on Friday stayed away for most of the match, but slippery conditions made handling difficult. The Blues had most of territory and possession, but were hampered by errors.

In a surprise move, the visitors started with skipper Bobby Skinstad on the bench.

The Blues dominated from the start and had already grabbed three tries by halftime, with a charge down by lock Brad Mika leading to the first for winger Joe Rokocoko after just two minutes.

Midway through the half, the Blues opted to kick for the corner from a penalty and from the ensuing lineout the forwards drove halfback Steve Devine over for the second.

The best was Mils Muliaina's touchdown after 33 minutes, when flanker Daniel Braid was able to turn the ball over in a maul in his own half. The ball went to Spencer, who streaked 50 meters down the sideline before sending Muliaina over.

The Cats' only points were three first-half penalties by Andre Pretorius, who was the South Africans' most dangerous player.

The Blues got their bonus-point try 14 minutes after the interval after again opting to kick for the corner from a penalty. Prop Kees Meeuws crossed for the final try.

Points Scores: Auckland tries to Steve Devine, Mils Muliaina, Kees Meeuws, Orene Ai'i, Carlos Spencer 3 conversions, Ai'i 1 conversion) .

Cats Andre Pretorius 3 penalties -- Sapa-AP