Steelers prevail in game of two halves

By CHRIS RATTUE

Counties Manukau took another step towards reclaiming their first-division status by crushing Manawatu in the NPC second division semifinal at Pukekohe.

On the second-half performance yesterday, the Steelers have every chance of upsetting Hawkes Bay as they cantered to a 36-10 victory over Manawatu in front of a 4000 crowd.

But if they turn up in Napier on Saturday afternoon and repeat yesterday's first-half effort, Bruce Robertson's side will be in major trouble in the final or subsequent promotion-relegation game.

Hawkes Bay already hold an edge over Counties Manukau after whipping them 51-20 during the round robin.

Steelers halfback Kevin Farrell, the team songster, has even worked that game in Napier into one of his compositions as a reminder of the pain of defeat.

Steelers captain Wayne McEntee said: "We left ourselves in Counties in that game. We didn't even take our boots to Napier.

"Let's hope there's not that sort of gap between us and Hawkes Bay. After Saturday, maybe there will be a gap the other way."

Manawatu coach Ken Maharey also believes that Counties Manukau have every chance of upsetting Hawkes Bay, who strolled through the second division this year.

Maharey said: "Counties Manukau have certainly improved a lot since we played them in the first round and I think they have a very good chance.

"It's all about self belief right now and if they've got that they can win.

"I think the key to Hawkes Bay is that they have a solid core of experienced players and Counties now have that, especially in the forwards where it is so important.

"Hawkes Bay are very strong on ball retention, so you've got to match them there."

With the wind at their backs, Counties Manukau looked anything but prospective champions in the first half when Manawatu took a 10-9 lead.

But man-of-the match Dion Kingi and locking partner Ramon Lindsay continued to perform strongly in the second half and with Kristian Ormsby put Manawatu to the sword.

McEntee and hooker Grant Henson were others to impress as the home side's forward strength took over.

Quinton Sanft and Casey Laulala shone in the backs.

Wonder wing Sitiveni Sivivatu had few opportunities, although one extraordinary run along the right-hand touchline in the first half turned a desperate defensive situation into attack.

No wonder Otago want that sort of talent in their side.

The match was sealed for Counties midway through the second spell when Laulala broke the defence and McEntee surged over. Sanft's conversion gave them a 23-10 lead.

Coach Robertson said the Hawkes Bay defeat had dented his players' confidence, yet they had found a new resolve in defeat against East Coast a week later.

"Hawkes Bay are a class act, they've got a complete game, so it's going to be very tough."

Counties Manukau came through yesterday's match unscathed, although they will still be without backs Kevin Senio and Gus Leger for the final.

* In Hastings, it was third time lucky for Hawkes Bay when they beat Nelson Bays 30-3.

The result at McLean Park marked the first time Hawkes Bay had beaten Nelson Bays in an NPC playoff.

Despite the scoreline, Hawkes Bay's performance was far from what coach Kieran Keane was after.

"That performance won't be good enough to win the final. We had no respect for the ball and gave it away far too often," Keane said.

Hawkes Bay led 17-0 at halftime after winger Ray Karauria scored a cracking try in the seventh minute following clever build-up work from centre Sam Leung-Wai and fullback Jacob Kennedy.

Flanker Michael Johnson scored their second try in the 24th minute after some forward domination.

Nelson Bays performed a lot better in the second half, particularly at scrum and on defence, but their only points came via a penalty to centre Aaron Kimura. It was a tribute to their defence that Hawkes Bay scored only one second-half try, to flanker Dave Gower.