Melani Nanai, right, celebrates with Sam Prattley after being gifted a try against Tasman.

There was something fishy in the Auckland air during Friday night's Mitre 10 Cup clash between Tasman and Auckland.

Both teams' first-fives were involved in comedic incidents during Auckland's 36-10 win at Eden Park, with Tasman's Mitch Hunt sure to be reminded of his blunder for some time.

Hunt, who earned cult like status in the upper South Island after nailing a remarkable drop goal for the Crusaders last year, gifted Melani Nanai a try late in the first half when his foot got stuck in a divot.

GETTY IMAGES Tasman first-five Mitch Hunt.

The pivot was tracking back to tidy up an Auckland kick, easily winning the race to the ball. However, when he went to slide and wrap it up, he clumsily hacked it in goal for Nanai to dive on.

READ MORE

* Recap: Auckland v Tasman

* Otago edge Northland

* Canterbury go top

* Mo'unga brings the mirth

* All Blacks name Mo'unga at No 10

Hunt couldn't believe what he'd done, nor could Nanai and Auckland, who couldn't wipe the smiles from their dials as they took control of the top-of-the-table clash.

HANNAH PETERS/GETTY IMAGES Harry Plummer is all concentration as he lines up a kick at goal against Tasman. But his kick in front of the posts missed after the tee fell over.

It followed Auckland's Harry Plummer missing a sitter kick, when the ball rolled off the tee as he was about to complete his kicking motion.

The young five-eighth could only smile after he hacked the shot at goal underneath the crossbar.

Auckland lock Patrick Tuipulotu had no such problems, giving the All Blacks selectors a timely reminder he's still floating around by bagging a hat-trick of tries inside the first half.