Auckland have taken a big step towards avoiding relegation, climbing off the bottom of the Premiership table with a dominant display over Bay of Plenty.

Auckland ran in four tries to secure a crucial 38-19 bonus-point victory on a fine day at Eden Park. Making his first start of the season, New Zealand sevens flyer Joe Ravouvou bagged a double in the opening 10 minutes with Vince Aso and Melani Nanai adding tries in the second half.