Claiming that third win in 10 days was a bridge too far for Auckland today, going down 35-32 to Waikato at Eden Park. 

Auckland was forced to chase the game from the get-go, Waikato running out to a 15-0 lead in the first half. After they managed to draw level for half time, Waikato scored three further tries before a late surge from the home team, but it was too little too late.

Back from the All Blacks camp, Damien McKenzie led the way for Waikato and was strong in the opening exchanges. It was the front rower Loni Uhila that opened the scoring with a try, McKenzie converted, before adding a penalty for the 10-0 lead.

A quick tap from a penalty caught Auckland off guard and Waikato ran over 65 metres before Sevu Reece went over in the corner for the try. Waikato leading 15-0 in as many minutes.

Auckland eventually woke from their slumber and was able to enjoy some time with ball in hand, and in good field position.

When try scorer Uhila was sent to the sin bin for a professional foul Auckland was able to capitalise. 

Firstly it was Blake Gibson, searing through the Waikato defence on his way to the try line in his first match back from injury.

Only minutes later Akira Ioane was able to draw in what seemed to be the entire defensive line to put Greg Pleasants-Tate away for his second try in as many matches.

Captain Simon Hickey slotted one of the two conversions and added a penalty to go into the break tied 15 all.

A penalty early in the second from Hickey saw Auckland take the lead 18-15, but it was short lived.

McKenzie responded with a penalty of his own before Waikato ran in three further tries. Hame Faiva went over first before winger Ratuva Tavuyara nabbed a double in the corner.

Trailing 35-18 with ten minutes to play it appeared that Auckland was done and dusted, but no one told the team that.

Gibson burrowed over from close range for his second before Patrick Tuipulotu glided through the defence for the bonus point try.

With time up on the clock, Auckland patiently built phases and it looked like Tuipulotu would be in for the match winner but was grabbed around the ankles. His offload found Scott Scrafton but the last pass was knocked on the and the referee called time.

Waikato winning 35-32.

Auckland claim two bonus points from the match and now have a seven day turn around before hosting Counties-Manukau at Eden Park next week.

Auckland 32 (B Gibson 2, G Pleasants-Tate, P Tuipulotu tries, S Hickey 3 con, 2 pen)
Waikato 35