While the results haven’t come this season the Counties Manukau Steelers have been their most effective while playing an up-tempo style of football in the Mitre 10 Cup.
They looked good in their comeback win against Manawatu three weeks ago when they gave the ball some air in the second half and again during the second 40 against Otago last weekend.
The offloads came and players like Luteru Laulala, Jason Robertson, Etene Nanai-Seturo and Kirisi Kuridrani came into the game with their speed and footwork.
It will come as no surprise to long-standing Steelers fans – Counties Manukau Rugby has always been an attack-first mentality and the Union has enjoyed its most successful periods adopting that style of play.
While still fairly young, Laulala has been around for a number of years and admits there is a certain amount of natural flair in the very fabric of players from this region.
“Counties footy has always been about flair and shifting the ball and playing expansive rugby but as the game has evolved over the last few years it is almost about trying to find that balance between being more direct and consistent and when to shift the ball and using the players we have in the team like Etene (Nanai-Seturo), Kirisi Kuridrani and Tevita Nabura,” Laulala told Counties Sports Hub.
“For us it is about trying to find that right balance.
“I have been around a little while now and so I have been able to experience that Counties style with the likes of Tim Nanai-Williams, Sam Vaka and especially Augie (Augustine Pulu) and the guys that instilled that into us.”
Not only does that style of rugby seem to suit the local players but it also provides entertaining viewing.
At a time when provincial rugby is challenged as much as it ever has, the Steelers playing an attractive and entertaining brand of football – even if they aren’t necessarily winning – will help put bums on seats.
Heck, the Warriors have been very entertaining if not overly successful during their 25 years in the NRL.
Look for the Steelers to go to that style a bit more and bit earlier when they take on Wellington on Sunday for the Jonah Lomu Trophy.
The game at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe begins at 2.05pm.
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