Rugby: Pride fuels Counties-Bay clash

Jason Shoemark. Photo / Supplied

In sporting parlance, it is anything but a dead rubber.

Although Hawkes Bay and Counties Manukau have been relegated to the second-tier competition next season even before they run on to Growers Stadium tomorrow, don't tell Counties Manukau coach Milton Haig there's nothing at stake.

A volatile concoction of pride mixed with anger and frustration will fuel both sides.

"We're here for our last game and we want to put on a performance for our family, friends and fans," said Haig.

When the Counties Manukau union takes stock over summer they will acknowledge Haig and his men's victory over the doom and gloom that shrouds most teams in the relegation zone.

Magpies captain Jason Shoemark and his men will be mindful of Counties Manukau's proud history.

Having won the NPC first division title in 1979, they also claimed bragging rights as division two champions in 1993.

Any doubts about their fighting spirit is reflected in the fact that last season Counties Manukau finished last in the 14-team competition but can thump their chests to say they will finish mid-table this season, flirting with making the top-seven cut and sitting above the Magpies, who have been worthy semifinalists for the past two seasons.

"On the day any team can beat anyone so the championship division [next year] is really going to be tough," Haig says, excited about the prospects of crossing over to the premier division the following year.

He puts Counties Manukau's 24-21 defeat at the hands of the Bay of Plenty Steamers in the dying minutes at Mt Maunganui as the turning point of their season.

If the likely absence of All Blacks fullback Israel Dagg and hooker Hika Elliot is a welcome relief Haig doesn't show it.

He instead rejoices in welcoming the return of - loosie Fritz Lee, fullback Tim Nanai Williams and lock Taiasina Tuifua. The team also had next season to think about.

- APN