Rugby: Counties to focus on work as a team

Chiefs coach Ian Foster. Photo / APN

The two dirtiest words inside the Counties Manukau camp this week were "Ian" and "Foster".

Not that anybody has anything against the personable Chiefs coach, it's just that coach Milton Haig realises the biggest danger his side faces against neighbours and franchise rivals Waikato is thinking it is a trial for Super 15 contracts.

In some ways it is counter-intuitive, but Haig has been drumming into his players this week that the way to stand out is not to become individualistic.

Consistently good performances within a team framework are going to be noticed more than a few flashy runs or coming out of the defensive line to put in big hits.

"We've talked about that a lot this week," Haig said. "The reason we are where we are is because we're in this as a team."

Counties start today's game third on the ITM Cup ladder behind Southland and Taranaki, a scenario that would have been unthinkable at the start of the season.

Waikato coach Chris Gibbes' concerns are a little more fundamental than keeping a lid on expectations.

"We missed some crucial tackles last week against Wellington so it has been a focus for the squad this week to tidy this area up and also, finishing off the opportunities we have been creating."

Simple handling and offloading mistakes had been looked at.

Northland will look to bounce back from a disappointing outing against Auckland to upset Wellington in the capital.

Sunday's games involve four of the bottom five teams, with Manawatu home to Hawkes Bay and Bay of Plenty hosting North Harbour at Rotorua.

Waikato v Counties Manukau
Hamilton, 2.35 today.

WAIKATO
Sosene Anesi
Tim Mikkelson
Save Tokula
Christian Lealiifano
Dwayne Sweeney
Trent Renata
T. Kerr-Barlow
Steven Setephano
Jack Lam
Liam Messam
D. Waqaniburotu
Toby Lynn
Nathan White (c)
A. de Malmanche
Toby Smith
Reserves: Vern Kamo, Hikairo Forbes, Romana Graham/ Chris Middleton, Matt Vant Leven, Brendon Leonard, Sam Christie, Frank Halai.

COUNTIES MANUKAU
Tim Nanai-Williams
Ahsee Tuala
Siale Piutau
Rey Lee-Lo
Sherwin Stowers
Baden Kerr
August Pulu
Viliami Fihaki
Mark Selwyn
Fritz Lee
Jamie Chipman
Ronald Raaymaker
Jono Owen
Grant Henson
Simon Lemalu
Reserves: Mark Price, Graham Dewes, Waka Setitaia, Sikeli Nabou, Samisoni Fisilau, James Semple, Seremaia Tagicakibau