The inclement Waikato weather nearly put paid to the Steelers' very slim Premiership semifinals hopes.
But they will be happy to have dispatched their Chiefs cousins - by a score of 30-9 - with some skilful footy in conditions that patently did not suit their style of play.
Counties Manukau needed a bonus point win to keep some heat on defending champions Taranaki. That was always going to be a big ask in the slippery conditions, but they did it, scoring four in the second spell, the last to Frank Halai at the death. Now they pray for Manawatu to beat Taranaki.
Wing Sione Fifita and centre Sam Vaka complemented the pinpoint box kicking of halfback Richard Judd and some accurate work from the pack. Captain Jimmy Tupou scored the first try of the match, after 46 minutes, between the uprights, and Fifita pounced on a Waikato error from a Judd box kick to bolt 40m. Jordan Taufua scored the third at 75 minutes with a typical bustling charge.
Waikato, under the cosh from referee Richard Kelly for multiple infringements, could get little going. Lock Peni Iowane was binned for a no arms tackle. Damian McKenzie kicked three penalty goals, but missed two.
Counties Manukau had a late defection in No 8 Maama Vaipulu. They were able to field two fetchers in Sam Henwood and Onosa'i Auva'a, while Jordan Taufua has played openside this season. That Steelers loose trio caused issues at the breakdown for the home side.
Prop Sam Aiono was also a late sub for Jarrod Firth, but the most intense scrum battle of the night was Ben Tameifuna, in his last home match before departure for Parisian club Racing-Metro, against Pauliasi Manu. The latter had the edge.
Waikato centre Anton Lienert-Brown played his blazer game but had precious few chances to show his attacking wares in such weather.
Waikato can salvage their season, and perhaps ensure their Premiership status, in a Ranfurly Shield challenge next Friday in Napier, while the Steelers host Auckland in Pukekohe next Saturday night.
Counties Manukau 30 (Jimmy Tupou, Sione Fifita, Jordan Taufua, Frank Halai tries; Piers Francis 2 con, 2 pen) Waikato 9 (Damian McKenzie 3 pen) Halftime: 6-3 Counties Manukau
- Campbell Burnes of the New Zealand Herald
