Rugby: Counties earn bonus point win

Toni Pulu of Counties Manukau makes a break to score a try during the round one ITM Cup match between Counties Manukau and Manawatu. Photo / Getty Images.

Counties Manukau 36
Manawatu 35

Counties Manukau gave Manawatu a warm welcome to the ITM Cup Premiership division, securing the bonus point win with plenty to spare, despite the final one-point margin, which was flattering.

These were not the 1979-80 versions of these two unions, who ruled the provincial land back then with gnarly packs hacking chunks out of each other. But it was nonetheless a willing contest between two Premiership outfits.

The Steelers exploded into action, anxious to eradicate the slow start of 2014, and newly re-signed Chief Toni Pulu crossed twice before some folk had even found their seats.

They looked full of running and starved the Turbos of ball. They have a taller lineout than we saw in 2014 and a very solid front-row. When slick work put flanker Sam Henwood over, the score read 19-7. But Manawatu turned to their weapon, the lineout drive, and profited from tries to loose forwards Antonio Kirikiri and Callum Gibbins.

By the time fullback Jared Page got on the outside of his man for the fourth try, the Steelers had the Turbos' measure. Their young backline enjoyed some swift ball provided by the pack, for whom captain Jimmy Tupou led by example, winning his share of lineouts, loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu was prominent, and Henwood put in a good shift.

Halfback Richard Judd had a fine debut, as did Francis outside him with both his boot and his passing. Sam Vaka was staunch on defence, while Pulu recorded a hat-trick, his third on the end of the chain after a concerted Steelers' build-up. Jordan Taufua, surprisingly left on the bench, offered maximum impact, nearly crossing for a try and bringing his usual intensity and leg drive.

The Turbos could get little going other than their lineout drive until the final minutes when they secured their bonus point. Jason Emery was virtually unemployed at centre. There was time for journeyman halfback Toby Morland to score and replacement Valentino Mapapalangi to get on the scoresheet, while Kirikiri showed pace for his second.

Counties Manukau travel to Christchurch to face Canterbury next Sunday, while Manawatu will host Waikato on Saturday.

In the curtainraiser, Manurewa upset Wesley 25-21 to win their third Counties Manukau First XV title in five seasons.

Counties Manukau 36 (Toni Pulu 3, Sam Henwood, Jared Page tries; Piers Francis 4 con, pen) Manawatu 35 (Antonio Kirikiri 2, Callum Gibbins, Valentino Mapapalangi, Toby Morland tries; Otere Black 5 con) Halftime: 19-14