The Tasman Makos claimed their first silverware of the 2008 season, beating Horowhenua-Kapiti 38-12 in the shield final at the national sevens tournament in Queenstown yesterday.
Tasman bounced back from losses to Taranaki, 17-28, Bay of Plenty 19-29 and Hawke's Bay 7-26 in Saturday's pool play to register two wins yesterday.
Tasman's shield final victory followed a semifinal win over West Coast.
In the major final, Auckland claimed their fourth straight national title beating neighbours Counties-Manukau 24-15.
Auckland held a 12-5 advantage at halftime following two quick tries from Mana Ashford and Patrick Flavell. Tries from Samu Etuati and Mikaele Pesamino, a member of the Samoan sevens side, soon after the break gave Auckland an unassailable 24-5 lead.
Counties got three tries but never threatened after halftime. Auckland advanced to the final by beating Taranaki in one semi while Counties brushed aside Otago in the other. Earlier Otago produced the upset of the day toppling highly-fancied Canterbury 19-17 in the quarters.
Counties David Raikuna was named player of the tournament.