It is a long time since the name of Counties Manakau has been a feared name within the hearts of supporters and players of our national game.
When they dropped out of the First Division in 2001, the once proud union lost a considerable amount of the credibility that was once associated with them. In 2012, this credibility and fear is now returning with the help of their new coach, Tana Umaga.
On Friday night in Pukekohe the rejuvenated Steelers faced Otago, another team who has surprised many pundits with their return to form in this year's ITM Cup.
These two sides have proven this year that their bite is just as strong as their bark and have become the frontrunners in the Championship Division, it was set to be an encounter of epic proportions.
The Steelers opened the scoring early in the match with a converted try to Sherwin Stowers and looked to have the edge over their southern rivals.
As they did last week against Southland, Otago took a considerable amount of time to gain any momentum in the match. Once they found their feet, however, they matched the Steelers' intensity and looked threatening for a majority of the first half.
Their promising defence and attack was not enough to penetrate the Counties Manakau line, but they were able to add four Hayden Parker penalties to head into the changing sheds only one point below the Steelers at 13-12.
Otago were still very much contenders, they just needed to break the Counties Manakau defence and turn the opportunities they were given into tries.
The two sides emerged from the tunnel and produced some of the same form that was seen in the first half, but this was short lived, for Otago at least.
Counties Manakau managed to do exactly what Otago were hoping to produce, they broke the defence and once they did, there was no stopping the Steelers. As they ran in four second half tries to win the game by 43-12, cementing their place atop the Championship Division ladder.
There have been many surprising outcomes in this year's ITM Cup, but the Steelers look to be one of the only teams who are producing outstanding and consistent rugby, as they now have won all four of their matches and show no intent of slowing down.
Otago are showing some real promise this season but are unable to turn the opportunities into points. It is hard to see them producing the same form they have shown against Northland and Southland. They simply need turn their desire and determination into competition points.
With another break scheduled in the international calendar, Tony Brown may see some of his All Blacks return to combine with his team of youngsters over the next two rounds. As they displayed in the opening round of the season, is when they pose the biggest threat.