The Auckland rugby team needed a late try to edge lower-division neighbours Counties Manukau 22-20 on Wednesday night at Eden Park.
Counties led 20-15 nearing full-time, before Auckland hooker Tom McCartney scored from a lineout move and goalkicker Simon Hickey converted from the sideline to keep the hosts' unbeaten record intact.
First-five Hickey scored 17 of Auckland's points with the boot.
