ITM Cup: The boys made it easy, says Sonny Bill

Frank Halai scores in the Steelers' demolition job on Auckland. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Umaga happy with Sonny Bill but says Steeler forwards deserve more respect

Sonny Bill Williams pronounced his comeback to New Zealand rugby as "awesome", while his coach Tana Umaga paid tribute to his under-rated forwards after the Steelers' 41-18 demolition of Auckland on Wednesday night.

Williams entered the fray in the last quarter - replacing the popular Bundee Aki in his final game at home before taking up a contract in Connacht. By then Counties Manukau had full control of the game, and Williams looked solid as a rock, though touching the ball only a handful of times.

"That was awesome. It was good to be back. The way the boys played made it easy for me, and it was pleasing to get the win," said Williams.

"The most pleasing thing I've found is the amount of support I've had from the team and the community. A lot of people write different things in the paper, but the support I get on the streets is really uplifting."

Strangely, when quizzed about what he might need to work on ahead of Sunday's clash with Tasman in Blenheim, Williams put the question back on the journalist.

Umaga was more than happy with his new signing, although noncommittal about whether he would start in the must-win clash against the Makos.

"We just told him to carry the ball and go as far as he can. He obviously takes a lot of stopping and brings in a lot of players and creates opportunities further out. Last time he was trying to pop balls all over the place. It's just understanding that if it's not on, he can recycle," said Umaga.

"You can't say the midfielders tonight deserve to be dropped. Bundee and Rey [Lee-Lo] have been outstanding for us in the last few games. We'll see how the bodies are in the wash-up."

After the best win of the season, Umaga knows a similar commitment to accuracy and physicality will be needed to lower the Makos, who lie second in the Premiership. His pack dominated Auckland in the scrums and carried with more grunt.

"We are a much-maligned forward pack. No one gives us much respect. Our scrum, with just a few Super players, demolished what was [effectively] a Blues scrum. I just can't understand why more of our players aren't in Super Rugby sides," said Umaga. He has a point.

Auckland have problems. While they welcome back their All Blacks - Charlie Faumuina, Charlie Piutau and Steven Luatua - for tomorrow's night's home clash against Northland, they have lost loosies Joe Edwards and Peter Saili to injury, probably for the rest of the season, and George Moala for this game through concussion.

A bonus-point victory will be enough to head off the Steelers for the last semifinal berth. Anything less will open the door to Umaga's men.

5 Playoff possibilities in ITM Cup

Auks on the road
A win over Northland will leave Auckland with a trip to Taranaki or Tasman in the Premiership semifinals.

The SBW factor
If SBW wants another week of practice, he needs Auckland to lose and Counties to trump Tasman.

Shield be right
Hawkes Bay can retain the Ranfurly Shield and seal a home semi in the Championship with victory over Southland.

Woeful Wellington winless?
Will Wellington go winless? North Harbour's ambitions for fourth spot in the Championship could guarantee that prospect.

Victory over big boys
Taranaki and Tasman have already clinched home semfinals in the Premiership - a victory for the smaller unions.