Auckland has lost their second match at Eden Park in as many weeks after going down 30-26 to Counties Manukau this afternoon.

Yet another slow start saw Auckland behind 15-0, the home team unable to put points on the board until the closing minutes of the opening spell.

While composure saw Auckland climb back into the match and take the lead in the 74th minute, Counties Manukau halfback Augustine Pulu scored at the death to seal the result.

The visitors were on the board early with a penalty to first five-eighths Piers Francis, who could have made it double but his second attempt missed the mark.

Counties Manukau followed up with a try to lock Viliame Rarasea and former Auckland hooker Gafatasi Su’a, leading 15-0 in the opening spell.

Simon Hickey got Auckland on the scoreboard with two late penalties, but the home side went into the break trailing 15-6.

Hickey added another three early in the second half before Counties Manukau went over for their third try. 

At 20-9 it was a long way back into the match but Auckland chipped away.

Greg Pleasants-Tate rumbled over the try line from a line out drive for Auckland’s first try of the match. Hickey’s conversion was on target, cutting the deficit to four.

Another penalty made it a one point ball game with Counties Manukau leading 20-19.

Francis responded with a penalty for the visitors but Auckland finally hit the front with only five minutes left in the game.

Finally some good go forward for the Auckland forwards put the home side in good field position. Fullback Latiume Fosita went in under the posts for his first try in the blue and white hoops.

With only minutes left in the match Auckland just had to keep possession but a knock on from the ensuing kick off gave Counties Manukau the opportunity they needed.

Halfback Augustine Pulu snuck around the blindside from the scrum and ran away for the match winning try.

Auckland now travel to Rotorua to face Bay of Plenty next Sunday.
 

Auckland 26 (G Pleasants-Tate, L Fosita tries, S Hickey 4 pen, 2 con)
Counties Manukau 30