Caucaunibuca was in awesome form

Caucaunibuca scored once in the first half and twice more in the second as the Blues recovered from a 24-12 half- time deficit to claim a derby victory.

Carlos Spencer (2) and Mils Muliana also crossed over to help Auckland hit back from last week's defeat by ACT.

Reuben Thorne, Daniel Carter and Ben Blair touched down for the Crusaders.

Auckland seized control by scoring 19 unanswered points at the start of the second half.

But Canterbury, last year's finalists, gave themselves a chance when they pulled back to 31-29 with 10 minutes to go.

Carter missed a difficult penalty attempt which would have put them in front before the Blues rubbed more salt in their wound - Spencer scoring a length-of-the-field try in the final minute.

In Friday's other game, skipper Stirling Mortlock scored two tries and created another as the ACT Brumbies thrashed the Cats 68-28 to grab the top spot.

Mark Gerrard and rookie lock Mark Chisholm scored two tries apiece and Joe Roff landed nine conversions for an 18-point haul.