Counties in good heart as they chase elusive first victory

Counties Manukau are like a runner closing in on a long-cherished targeted time - it remains tantalisingly out of reach but they can sense they're getting closer.

Their inaugural Air New Zealand Cup campaign has produced four bonus point defeats and one heavy beating from Hawkes Bay. Yet there's a sense their time is coming, perhaps against Southland at Mt Smart Stadium tomorrow.

The players will reflect they could have beaten Otago on opening weekend (lost 23-12), Northland (21-17, ending their 30-game losing streak) and they pushed Waikato all the way before losing 23-20 in the rain in Hamilton last week.

But captain Ben Meyer is pleased at the strong vein of enthusiasm which is running through the squad. "When things go wrong it's important you don't let them compound," Meyer said.

"If you take Hawkes Bay out of the picture because we didn't step up to the mark that day, we've fallen just short of the last hurdle. Everybody is still extremely enthused and excited."

The narrow loss to Northland provided a chance for the younger players to experience a tough learning curve. The game ended with Counties camped on Northland's line but unable to pierce swarming, resolute defence.

"We'd dearly love to get that win, and definitely this year rather than next year," Meyer added.

He reckons Southland are a well structured side and one who are happy to concede ball and apply pressure on opponents and wait for an error. "We've been guilty of that, where we've coughed up mistakes. But our defence has improved from the early games."

Meyer suspects Counties are a better dry-weather side. He's relishing having firm footing to give his outside backs a run from set pieces.

Midfield pair Male Sau and Niva Ta'auso and Lelia Masaga, who showed a clean pair of heels in getting two tries against Hawkes Bay, have caught the eye when they've had an opportunity. "I'd love to give the guys a bit of space when they can have a go one on one."

The memory of that day in Napier, when Hawkes Bay beat Counties Manukau 51-29 in week three, is being pushed to one side. The vibes are good and the goal is getting closer for Kevin Putt's team.

Sione Sione gets his first start in the front row with the one-game ban on prop Poaloi Taula. However Southland's inspirational captain and tighthead Clarke Dermody is out with a sternum injury.

* Regular captain Steven Bates and first-choice No 10 Stephen Donald will be on the Waikato bench in tomorrow's game against Hawkes Bay in Napier.

Coach Warren Gatland has given a chance to former Rotorua Boys' High teammates William Ripia and Steven Setephano at first five-eighth and flanker respectively. Their chances have been limited, particularly Setephano, who got some time off the bench in round one against Southland, but now gets his first big opportunity.

Setephano, who scored a try in the final of the under-19 world championship against South Africa in 2003, will have a chance to show his paces in a classy loose forward trio, with rampaging Sione Lauaki and Liam Messam.

Setephano and Messam are also old Rotorua chums, and were pack mates in the New Zealand under-16 side who beat Australia six years ago.

Ripia, an ever present when New Zealand won the under-19 world title two years ago, has appeared off the bench twice so far this season.

* Otago will try to end their 49-year Ranfurly Shield drought against Canterbury tonight - and they've got a chance. Droughts are meant to be broken and Otago have a mountain of failed attempts to ponder.

Unbeaten in five games so far, they are playing decent football and the absence of All Blacks is a far better deal for Otago than their hosts.

Nick Evans' progress back from injury continues - expect him to squeeze into the end-of-year All Black tour if he maintains his work so far.

* Wellington are this weekend's recipients of the easiest points on offer in the championship when they visit Palmerston North today.

Manawatu are a work in progress and should take heart from beating Bay of Plenty 12-0 - over the final 45 minutes. At some point, they'll win a game, but it might not be until next season.

* Tasman have a royal chance of bagging a second win of their inaugural campaign against BoP in Blenheim today.

The Bay have struggled to score points - 73 in four matches - despite boasting a tight five to match most in the competition.