Rugby: Chances for game time at Counties Manukau

Counties Manukau rugby is an opportunity waiting to happen for any rugby player sitting on the bench at other rugby unions.

While a number of talented players wait for breaks in B sides at NPC teams in Auckland, North Harbour or Waikato, they could be chancing their arm at Counties Manukau.

With one of the smaller player bases of NPC unions, Counties Manukau has the potential for outsiders to make their mark, says CEO Peter Dunne.

"One player who has come into Counties is Patrick Petelo who, after not having much luck breaking into the top class scene in Auckland, is looking good for us," says Dunne.

Petelo, 24, made the initial New Zealand sevens squad earlier in the year and has grasped the opportunity to play top class rugby for Counties Manukau.

According to New Zealand Rugby Football Union statistics for the 2000 season, Counties Manukau has 4847 junior, secondary and senior registered players – the lowest numbers next to its other first division neighbours.

Auckland has 13,848 registered players, Waikato 9362 and North Harbour 7309.

"Auckland has 14,000 players, we have under 5000. They have NPC, one B team and one Colts team – the best chance for a break is here," explains Dunne.

Counties Manukau has two remaining pre-season games against first division rivals – Waikato on July 4, and August 4, both at Pukekohe.

Their latest pre-season game proved to be a sudden learning curve for many of the young players in the side as they were thrashed by the touring Argentina side 70-26.

A total of 10 players have made their debut for Counties Manukau in the pre-season games against King Country and Argentina showing that the 2001 NPC squad will be young and inexperienced but with plenty of enthusiasm.

- MANUREWA WEEK