Rugby: Counties ease past Taniwha

Stand-in captain Jordan Taufua led by example as Counties thrashed Northland. Photo / Getty

Northland 17
Counties-Manukau 42

The Counties Manukau Steelers hauled themselves off the foot of the Premiership table with a bonus point win in wet conditions in this Whangarei crossover ITM Cup clash.

Their display was not always fluent but, in weather more suited to ducks, the Steelers were full value for their five points, controlling the ball and the tempo for large tracts.

The star turn was stand-in captain Jordan Taufua, who carried with his usual menace from blindside flanker and dotted down twice, the second from a messy pushover try. He also made the tactically sound calls of keeping the scrum pressure on the Taniwha when awarded attacking penalties.

In that area, loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu was again dominant. The Steelers also adopted the effective pick and go tactic, when the rain was at its heaviest, which shut the dogged Taniwha pack out of the contest.

The defeat leaves the winless Taniwha at 0-6, firmly rooted to the base of the Championship table, having scored just 69 points for the season, and without victory in this fixture since 2007. They have some good players, and none tried harder than No 8 Dan Pryor, but it is not happening for them. His brother Kara Pryor did set up Wise Lawabuka with a sweet break and sweeter pass, but that try was to no avail.

In the first spell, Northland could only advance their score by threes, four of them, thanks to the accurate boot of No 10 Dan Hawkins. Their attacking game is struggling for free rein, with just seven tries in six games and, even allowing for the conditions, they cannot seem to get enough ball to their rapid Fijian wings Jona Nakosi and Jone Macilai.

Halfback Sam Nock, the 2014 NZ Schools rep and 2016 Blues signing, is not overplaying his hand, perhaps under instruction, but he has a strong running game that could be utilised more often. He was binned for a professional foul, while lock Josh Goodhue also copped yellow for "lazy running."

TMO Ben Deakin earned his corn, being called upon on several occasions in the first half as the assistant referees seemed afraid to make a call, despite being in the best position.

Northland are at home to the Bay of Plenty Steamers next Friday night, while Counties Manukau host the Tasman Makos in Pukekohe next Saturday.

Northland 17 (W. Lawabuka try; D. Hawkins 4 pen)
Counties Manukau 42 (J. Taufua 2, C. Vaega, V. Rarasea, F. Halai tries; P. Francis 2 con, 3 pen, W. Walker 2 con)
Halftime: 12-25