Rugby: Auckland find it hard to emerge from quicksand

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe needs his side to win this weekend, if they're to hold on to their top seven spot. Photo / Richard Robinson

There is either a collapse in coaching communication or a technical inability from the Auckland rugby side.

Either way, they have failed to show the sort of nous needed to deliver consistent results in the ITM Cup.

Their 34-all deadlock against Hawkes Bay showed the best and worst of their play, a messy 60 minutes followed by a bustling finish.

Auckland coach Mark Anscombe was not amused by much of the match or the sideline officials while his opposite Peter Russell pondered how his side missed victory.

Video analysis had given his team a strong idea about what to expect at Eden Park. Auckland did not disappoint.

"You get a plant for what teams are doing and they haven't really changed, to be honest," Russell said.

"They always go one or two phases and throw an inside pass. It is pretty easy to pick off and it was good for our defence."

However, the Bay suffered when they lost their defensive line late in the game and conceded two tries.

Anscombe was equally dismissive of his side's performance and knows they have to be far more accurate if they are to survive their final games against Counties Manukau, Otago and Tasman.

If they slipped up in those contests, a semifinal berth might also disappear.

"We started playing laterally across the field all day and did not get any go-forward," he said.

"We talked about our experienced players and the experience we have got in this team, taking charge and leading the way and I thought they were very average."

The strategy, said Anscombe, had been to use the pack early to create momentum and space for the backs but they did not adhere to that plan.

Auckland's defence, which had been such a strength in the early rounds, leaked badly.

"You can't keep surviving on playing 15 minutes of rugby."

Auckland looked flat and uninspired, the link between the forwards and backs was slow and stilted. There was a lack of snap until the arrival of some of the reserves.

Halfback Brenton Helleur brought some zip, Liaki Moli some aggression, while Joe Rokocoko demanded close attention.

Those subs and others will demand a start this week against Counties.

Auckland are walking in quicksand and if that gait continues, their playoff hopes will sink slowly as well.