Counties Manukau 42
Tasman 33
The sunny conditions in Pukekohe called for some liberated rugby and the Steelers duly provided, moving up to fifth on the ITM Cup Premiership ladder with an upset bonus point win over the Tasman Makos.
They sealed the bonus point at 67 minutes as the tries came thick and fast late on against a Tasman outfit that have lost not only their last two outings but whose right to a home semifinal, seemingly sealed, is now in question.
Counties Manukau breached the Makos' defensive line at will, and second half tries to Sikeli Nabou, Pele Cowley and Onosa'i Auva'a augmented a solid set-piece, anchored by loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu.
There was also time for another Marty Banks solo effort, but he gave away the kicking duties for a time, perhaps due to injury.