The coach does have a selection headache in the loose forwards, all of whom performed well against Manawatu. No8 Maama Vaipulu showed skill with a long cutout pass for Toni Pulu's first try, while openside Sam Henwood was energetic and scored a good try. Captain Jimmy Tupou, at blindside, won plenty of lineout ball and led from the front. Both Jordan Taufua and Onosa'i Auva'a offered strong impact off the bench, while Dan Hyatt, whom Umaga rates highly, could not make the 23.
"It's the good headache you want, but trying to get everyone in is blimmin' difficult. It gives us that extra bit in the lineout, but everyone is putting pressure on us when we name the team. For these first couple of weeks, we'll give everyone a run, but what happens later in the piece I couldn't tell you," he said.
Umaga may have lost most of his 2014 backline, but there were some telling Steelers debuts in key positions, notably from the halves Richard Judd, who continued his fine Onewhero club form, and Bombay No10 Piers Francis, who kicked well and controlled the play tidily.
Umaga is happy with the points but knows they need a plan to combat Canterbury's lineout drive after the Turbos scored twice from that set-piece on Sunday.
