Counties faces burning issues

By WYNNE GRAY

Counties Manukau held their team barbecue last night. For some it may have looked like a funeral pyre for the struggling province. Others might have wondered if their careers were also about to be burned, while the rest would have made resolutions about restoring the union's pride.

After a few bevvies, as the group gathered for their 2001 finale under the grandstand at Pukekohe Stadium, there would have been all sorts of theories about the future of the province.

For a start, Counties has to get a stronger financial foundation. Even if it had remained in the first division, it might have battled to meet the economic standards the New Zealand Rugby Football Union wants to impose.

Counties needs bigger crowds, higher gatetakings and a substantial improvement in their sponsorship arrangements.

Part of that issue may be helped by a change in headquarters. Apparently the earthworks for the new Manukau stadium will begin shortly and Counties will shift there.

That will plonk it near the population strongholds of Manurewa, Papakura and Manukau. The issues of isolation and distance should be reduced and it may encourage more disaffected Auckland club players to change their allegiance.

Counties was born out of Auckland in 1955 and should draw on the metropolis for its future.

The decision on whether the union moves with an altered administration will probably be made next week. Chief executive Peter Dunne is under considerable pressure after his job was advertised, there is increasing talk about change on the board, and coach Andrew Talaimanu has already stood down.

Whoever takes the union forward to next year must have a strong business plan to underpin playing progress. The goal cannot just be about being promoted again, it must be about finishing in mid-table or higher. Success then breeds success.

On Counties' performance this season, it is easy to believe the team can bounce back with promotion to division one at the end of next year. They have talented players and, even with defections, should be a cut above all but a few second-division sides.

If they return to the top level it must not signal the start of a yo-yo journey between the two divisions.

They will likely lose senior men such as Blair Feeney, captain Danny Lee and Loki Crichton in the transfer market but have to use that money to buy some talented replacements.

Others such as Koula Tukino and Kristian Ormsby might want to leave but they are apparently still contracted and should be encouraged to stay for the long-term health of the province. Of course, Super 12 selection - either in the Chiefs, or elsewhere - will help that retention.

In 1996 and '97 Counties made the NPC playoffs and the following year were just nudged out of the semifinals.

That showed what could be achieved, compared to their four wins in the past three seasons.

Counties may have benefited from their previous Super 12 association with the Blues.

They do not have as much leverage with the Chiefs, but they are associated with the franchise now and must draw on that experience at administrative and playing level.