Tough times get even tougher

By WYNNE GRAY

Grim has become grimmer for Counties Manukau.

As the union heads for the last NPC round and possible relegation, three of the side's better players have been ruled unfit.

Utility fullback or five-eighths Loki Crichton has strained a calf muscle, lock Semi Naevo has damaged a knee and midfield back Gus Leger has to stand down with concussion.

It has been a week of introspection, recrimination and accusation for Counties after they fell last week to Bay of Plenty.

Talk has wavered between the financial plight of the union, lack of player depth, transfers and the occupational expectancy of some officials and coach Andrew Talaimanu.

Blair Feeney has transferred to Otago, there is speculation Danny Lee, Kristian Ormsby, Koula Tukino and Crichton will also switch provincial allegiance, and Talaimanu may consider other options.

The players are all talented, especially Crichton, who may have been the next-best fullback to Christian Cullen during the Super 12 competition and has shown his class as a five-eighths during the NPC.

Around all those dramas, Counties have tried to concentrate on the game against neighbours Auckland on Sunday in what may be a last chance of avoiding an automatic drop, as long as other results favour Counties.

They will need everything to go their way if they are to avoid returning to the second-division status they last tasted in 1993.

Losing Crichton, Naevo and Leger was not a strong start, though Auckland have injury problems, too, with Eroni Clarke out with sore ribs and Ali Williams an uncertain selection when the team is picked today.

After the despondency of last weekend, Counties sat down for a clear-the-air meeting a few days later.

It was a significant discussion. The season had not finished; the side had to believe they could beat Auckland.

"I don't think many have given us a chance," coach Talaimanu said, "but we had to get our minds ready for this match.

"I think too many of our players showed against the Bay they had their eyes on the future rather than on the field."

Some games had not gone Counties way. There was a single-point defeat against North Harbour, a close loss to Northland and a draw against Southland.

They were all matches Counties could have won.

On top of that, Bay of Plenty beat them while a man short.

It had been important to dwell on those games to show what could have been. It was equally important to have a solid finish.

Talaimanu said: "We have got to play for the history of Counties because those colours will still fly next season and our team have to give a dignified, credible performance for those involved next year."