Rugby: Steelers prepare for Waikato showdown

Toni Pulu of Counties Manukau. Photo / Getty Images.

The Counties Manukau Steelers need look no further than the example being set two of their main men as they prepare to face Waikato in Hamilton on Friday night in the ITM Cup Premiership.

Both No 8 Jordan Taufua and loosehead prop Pauliasi Manu were outstanding in the 42-33 victory over the Tasman Makos last Saturday and shape as key men against a young Waikato side that lacks nothing but miles on the clock.

"Jordan has been a standout, running himself ragged, so we have to make sure we manage him as best we can. He's taken it upon himself to get the best out of those around him as well," said Steelers coach Tana Umaga.

Taufua has played in all three loose forward positions this season, and stepped up when Maama Vaipulu was a late defection via injury from Saturday's match-day squad. Taufua even joked that he can claim a two from two captaincy record as he took the armband when Jimmy Tupou was off the field tending to his knee.

Taufua has racked up roughly the same amount of game time as Manu, who won't stand out in many statistical categories, but is fit to rank in the top three looseheads in New Zealand rugby, though Canterbury's Joe Moody might argue that point.

"We're a bit biased, but he's been great for us, playing long minutes, gets through a ton of work, a very accomplished scrummager, gets through his core roles, and good with the young guys off the field. If anything goes wrong (at the RWC), let's hope he gets the call-up," said Umaga.

Flanker Dan Hyatt won't be suiting up on Friday night, his nerve issues in his back seeing him leave the field and spend Saturday night in hospital for pain relief. Vaipulu, who had a shoulder problem, just had to get through the next few trainings to be right for Waikato, as did captain Tupou, who copped a knock to his knee, left the field, but returned to the fray late in the Tasman clash.

Umaga was already on the record as saying that the win over the Makos was the Steelers' best display of the season, though fans will be lamenting that they haven't seen a lot more of this confident rugby, with the semifinals now a long shot, nine points adrift of fourth-placed Taranaki.

"It's good to see it coming to fruition on the field and the boys being confident enough to throw passes and taking opportunities where we can," said Umaga, though wary of Waikato's multiple threats.

"They have some blistering backs that will make you pay for mistakes if we aren't on our game."