Counties pull off deserved victory

By ADAM NEWMAN

Outscoring their bigger brothers from down the road six tries to four, Counties Manukau warmed up for the NPC first division with a 43-28 win over Waikato in Pukekohe yesterday.

In a free-flowing game between the Chiefs franchise partners, Counties rearranged their forward pack from the unit who were well beaten by Argentina last month, and the result was dominance in key aspects, notably driving from the lineout.

"We needed a game as soon as possible after Argentina to redeem ourselves and prepare ourselves for the NPC," said Counties halfback and captain Danny Lee.

"We got a lot out of the game, while still working through tactics and patterns, but also preparing ourselves mentally for the challenge ahead. It was a great team effort."

The game started out at an extreme pace with both teams scoring early. After three tries in the first four minutes, the game settled down as both teams tried to settle into a game plan.

In the first minute, Waikato set a ruck outside the 22m for the Waikato backs to get the ball wide before Keith Lowen made a nice break to set up fullback Wayne Barr for the first of his three tries.

Counties bounced straight back through Loki Crichton, and went ahead when winger Salesi Moimoi crossed.

Further tries from Lee, sprinting clear from halfway, and Crichton, stepping around two defenders, put the home side 29-14 ahead at halftime.

Waikato showed more urgency in the second spell, went back to basics, with some strong work from their forwards before looking to get the ball out wide.

The introduction of first five-eighth David Hill and fullback Todd Miller midway through the half injected some sting into Waikato's backline. Moimoi's second try, after good lead-up and support play, increased the margin but Waikato showed some pride by grabbing tries to strong-running No 8 Jared Nordstrom and a third for Barr, from a good outside break by Roger Randle.

That got Waikato within seven points but in injury time Peter Epati finished off a 40m movement to make sure of the victory.

"Basically we lack vigour and enthusiasm," said Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke. "We learnt a lesson about needing the right attitude and mental toughness."