Air NZ Cup preview: Steelers set to extend Shield duck

Canterbury vs Counties Manukau
Jade Stadium, 2.35pm

The lowdown: If the Counties Manukau Steelers were to lift the Log o' Wood, it would be an upset to top even Bay of Plenty's stunning win over Auckland in 2004. The Canterbury machine, which needed a service after being beaten by Waikato in round three, has slowly rumbled into gear and will receive added horsepower as their All Blacks return.

Counties last weekend picked up their first win in the new competition when they rolled Southland and they've tended to play better against the so-called big guns. They pushed Otago and Waikato close but were inexplicably hammered by fellow new boys Hawke's Bay. Don't be surprised to see them emerge from the repechage.

Did you know? Counties Manukau have never won the Ranfurly Shield in 48 years of trying. They have challenged Canterbury three times - 1982 (15-15), 1984 (19-27) and 1994 (16-42).

What we think: You won't see any of the All Blacks in action today but the red and blacks should still have too much firepower.

Form:
Canterbury - W, W, L, W, bye;
Counties Manukau - L, bye, L, L, L, W.

Canterbury - Paul Williams, Stephen Yates, Casey Laulala, Cameron McIntyre (c), Scott Hamilton, Stephen Brett, Kevin Senio, Mose Tuiali'i, Hayden Hopgood, Michael Paterson, Kevin O'Neill, Issac Ross, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Ben Franks. Reserves: Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett, Craig Clarke, Kieran Read, Caleb Ralph, Tim Batemen, Andrew Ellis.

Counties Manukau - Simon Lemalu, John Fonokalafi, Poaloi Taula, Andrew van der Heijden, Ross Kennedy, Kristian Ormsby, Jimmy Maher, Luke Mealamu, Ben Meyer (c), Blair Feeney, Siale Piutau, Nigel Watson, Niva Ta'auso, Lelia Masaga, Troy Nathan. Reserves: Grant Henson, Sione Sione, Chris Elvin, Waka Setitia, Lance Easton, Male Sa'u, Kane Hancy.