Rugby: Counties-Manukau backs leave Otago grasping

Counties-Manukau sizzled when it counted to run Otago off their legs and win a national provincial rugby championship boilover 29-13 in Pukekohe today.

Competition also-rans for the past three seasons, the hosts were electric when the ball went wide and scored four tries to one in a hugely disappointing result for Otago and their new coach Phil Mooney, the former Queensland mentor.

The southerners had a superior scrum, were impressive on the drive, were more disciplined and dominated possession. They also played against 14 men for two 10-minute periods after Counties-Manukau front rowers Jono Owens and Grant Henson were sinbinned for repeat offences in the first spell.

However, Otago weren't in the same ballpark when it came to flair and speed out wide and their only try was a flukey one to fullback Chris Small in the dying stages.

Three tries in 12 minutes in the second quarter of the match set up victory for Counties-Manukau,

Ahsee Tuala stormed over after some neat offloading at pace by fellow-wing Sherwin Stowers and centre Siale Piatau. Moments later Piatau finished off a sweeping attack before fullback Tim Nanai-Williams showed his pace with a fine score soon before halftime.

Otago first five-eighth Glenn Dickson landed penalties at the start and finish of the half but that was their last points before Small's late effort.

The result was sealed when Tuala bagged his second try midway through the second half, a 95m intercept as Otago raided but failed to cross -- a typical scene throughout the match.

Former All Blacks captain Tana Umaga, 37, had a sound game for Counties-Manukau in his first provincial championship appearance since leaving Wellington in 2007 to act as a player/coach with French club Toulon.

He was in doubt for the match after suffering the 'flu midweek but was a rock on defence at second five-eighth before being substituted 20 minutes from the end.