Unimpressive victory for Counties Manukau

By DAVE WORSLEY

It could have been a funeral march as the Counties Manukau players, led by captain Kevin Farrell, traipsed into the changing rooms at Pukekohe Stadium after the 24-15 win over Wanganui.

Not often do a winning team look so down in the mouth about success. But Counties Manukau's win, which keeps them in second place, was hardly a good warm-up for the game against leaders Hawkes Bay in two weeks.

"We still have 21 out of 25 points, but the players are looking long and hard at themselves," Counties Manukau co-coach Mark Carter said after his side had let at least six scoring chances go begging in the first half.

Counties Manukau went into the game as favourites, while Wanganui were suffering the loss of five competition points for a player eligibility breach slapped on them on Friday.

The home team started well, breaking tackles easily. But their loose forwards failed to release the ball to their speedy backline.

Basic catching and passing was also left in the changing rooms.

Niva Ta'auso was the star for Counties Manukau, setting up the first try for flanker Taiasina Tuifua and scoring a try himself.

The second half was spiced up in the last minute when Wanganui almost gained a bonus point for coming within seven as fullback Asalemo Malo stretched out and appeared to place the ball on the line.

But replacement referee Kerry Petrie, from Counties, standing in for Canterbury's Vinny Munro who was injured just after half-time, called the ball short, much to the disgust of the Wanganui players.

Carter summed up Counties' dour mood: "Everyone from the CEO, board, the chairman and players are talking about if we don't make the grade Counties is in danger of sinking into oblivion.

"We are unbeaten and in a better position than last year, but the players need to show some pride."


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