Rugby: Wales waits as Auckland hold Anscombe fast

OFFSHORE TARGET: Auckland haven't heard from Welsh officials since utility Gareth Anscombe announced his intention to leave.PHOTO/GETTY IMAGES

Gareth Anscombe, the Chiefs' Super Rugby utility, is targeting his international rugby dreams with Wales, a chance he gets by the combined forces of his rugby talents and his mother's birthplace.

That may have to wait longer than he or coach Warren Gatland imagined because Anscombe is contracted to Auckland to the end of the season when it's believed he can trigger an exit clause.

Auckland have national U-20s captain Simon Hickey as their only other goal-kicker and want Anscombe in their challenge of Canterbury's six-year title run.

New coach Paul Feeney may lose seven players to the All Blacks squad and if fullback Charles Piutau joins that crew, Feeney will need to use either Loalgi Visinia or Anscombe as his replacement.

Anscombe's utility value, expert goal-kicking and desire to leave on a strong note are all viewed by Feeney and the Auckland Rugby Union as strong reasons to retain him throughout the ITM Cup interprovincial competition.

They might have been more flexible, but Feeney took over the job only last month and hasn't had time to recruit replacements.

Hickey and Anscombe are likely to get equal opportunities to impress at five-eighths in the early rounds of the competition, while Lolani Visinia is equally adept at fullback or wing and Hadleigh Parkes can help at fullback.

The ITM Cup starts on August 14 and the final is on October 24.

Meanwhile, Gatland will head back to Wales in late August where he'll pick through the squad he took to South Africa last month and others who make their mark before the November run of four internationals.

They start November 8 against the Wallabies, followed by Fiji, the All Blacks and Springboks.

Even if Auckland don't qualify for the playoffs, their last round-robin match is on October 9, which leaves no time for Anscombe to fly out, play for his new club Cardiff and turn out for Wales.

Since Anscombe confirmed he was leaving, Auckland have not heard from Welsh rugby officials seeking his early release.

Recently Gatland said: "I said if he wanted to have a crack at making the World Cup squad it would be better if he came over this year."

That suggests Wales will use Rhys Priestland, Dan Biggar or James Hook as their five-eighths for the November internationals.

Anscombe will have time with his new club (and new coach Mark Hammett) and a more measured aim of Six Nations selection in February. APN News & Media