Counties-Manukau led the Hawke's Bay Magpies 22-13 at halftime in tonight's Mitre 10 Premiership third round rugby match at Napier's McLean Park.
While the Steelers capitalised on all of their opportunites the Magpies lost possession at crucial times and were guilty of making low percentage decisions.
The Steelers opened the scoring in the third minute with a dropped goal to first five-eighth Piers Francis. Their control in the buildup was admirable.
In sharp contrast the Magpies were making silly mistakes and conceding soft turnovers in ideal conditions.
Two-test All Black halfback and Steelers captain Augustine Pulu displayed his class early with a clever snipe and kick ahead which led to fullback Luteru Laulala's eighth minute try which Francis converted.