Counties Manukau looking to eclipse a tiny gap

By JULIE ASH

Counties Manukau were on the wrong side of a two-point loss last time the sides met. This time coach Bruce Robertson is hoping his side come out on top when they line up against Nelson Bays in their NPC second division semifinal clash on Sunday.

After being beaten 36-34 in round three of the competition, Robertson expects another tight tussle in Nelson.

"I suppose both teams would have improved from then and semifinals rugby comes down to who takes their chances on the day really," he said.

"We just have to make sure we take our opportunities."

Nelson Bays have suffered just one loss in the competition, losing to the unbeaten Hawkes Bay side 40-14 a month ago.

Counties Manukau have lost to North Otago, Nelson Bays, and Hawkes Bay.

Robertson said the key for his side would be shutting down Nelson Bays' dangerous centre, Aaron Kimura.

"Their centre is a very experienced footballer and reads the game very, very well.

"They have got quite a good, experienced forward pack and their backs are very solid.

"We have to make sure we are accurate in our execution of our game plan."

Counties Manukau will be without centre Niva Ta'auso, who was stretchered off following a head collision in last week's game against East Coast.

The other second division semifinal pits Hawkes Bay against North Otago in Napier tomorrow.

"The last time those two met it was a pretty solid encounter ... Hawkes Bay snuck through at the end," Robertson said.

"I should imagine it will be a similar game this time.

"Hawkes Bay have hit their straps in the last couple of games."

Hawkes Bay will be desperate to win the title. They have made the promotion-relegation playoff match in each of the last two seasons, only to tumble at the final hurdle.

As for Nelson Bays, they had a sniff of the first division in 2000. They won the 1999 second division title, but opted not to push on for the top flight.

A year later they lost the second division final to Bay of Plenty.

In 2001, Bay of Plenty held off Hawkes Bay in the promotion-relegation match, 32-12, and last year, having comfortably accounted for Counties Manukau in the grand final 37-16, were unable once again to make the final jump, losing 37-21 to the Bay.

The big incentive this time is that the second division champion will host Northland in the promotion-relegation tussle.

NPC points table