A little premature with the previous comment as Counties did somehow manage to score but they only snuck in a couple of minutes before the end. Final score was Canterbury 38 - 05 Counties

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/115991204/mitre-10-cup-relief-overriding-emotion-as-southland-end-27game-losing-run

@Dice Yup I know what you mean I've seen the same stuff too. I feel like he's a rough diamond who'll get better in time. His lineout definitely needs working on but he has the physical attributes to go far and is worth perservering with in the long run.

Oh and I'm also in the camp that doesn't move Goodhue to accommodate Ennor, but should attrition or lack of other options dictate that move - and there's no clear 12 for the Saders at the moment - then so be it.

@Higgins and look at to Owen Franks now? the game is evolving so along with core roles, props need mobility,speed,covering/sweeping like a loose fwd and the way the game is heading the "high intensity/fast pace", you need to keep up and do more then just "scrum". And remember the Lions front row are young Fidow 21, Aumua 21, Numia 20. still boys and still developing. and re them being boys getting paid a mans wages?? mate the game turned professional a long time ago. keep up with the times higgy! they are the most exciting front row in the game right now. Lions/Canes are lucky to have them and i am excited to see them grow and develop. cut them some slack

My post match interviews from the game:

Lotu Inisi looks like he has a bright future. Thoughts?

Is it just my bias or do most of SBWs 'round the corner' passes actually go forward? Comms, ref and touch judge don't seem to think so.

Awesome work Counties. Auckland have a home semi.

@dice I'd prefer Wellington in a knock out match This Harbour side seems to take the battle of bridge personally.. more like the 90's. They are more likely to pull out a freakish game because its Auckland

@duluth Matich is a huge loss for us, hopefully it isnt too long.

@stargazer It's all guesswork, but my reaction to seeing Crotty up close was that he's quite big and seeing David up close is that he isn't.

The first CM try shouldn't have been, both inside chasers were in front of the kicker and advanced and had a direct impact on the play. The second try I can live with, not clear and obvious live that the chaser is in front.

@shark Probably, I had to go and check if there was a thread for this game haha.

Not a bad effort by Pulu. When are the Aussies calling him up? He's better than Maddocks.

Great start to the comp from BOP, confidence gained form those 2 wins will be invaluable as they get to the tougher part of the comp and play Championship teams

@tim I think he'll get a run at some point. His scrumming is good for his age, but I do remember a game where he went up against Renata and got destroyed.

Sam Henwood dominated the awards night. Below is a list of the 2017 CMRFU award winners - Counties Manukau PIC Steelers player of the year – Sam Henwood Counties Manukau PIC Steelers defence player of the year – Sam Henwood Counties Manukau PIC Steelers player’s player of the year (chosen by the PIC Steelers players) – Sam Henwood Counties Manukau PIC Steelers Rookie of the year – Orbyn Leger Counties Manukau PIC Steelers most improved player of the year – Jonathan Kawau Men’s 7’s player of the year – Liam Daniela Bayleys B’s most improved player – Feta Luamanu Bayleys B’s player of the year – Penitoa Finau Don Ha B’s most improved player -Jimmy Conaglen Don Ha B’s player of the year – Faafouina Loau U19 most improved – Toti Nginingini U19 player of the year – Joshua Baverstock George Bell Memorial Trophy (services to rugby) – Dawn Newton Volunteer of the year – Karyn Adams Supporters Club – player of the year – Sam Henwood Referee of the year – John Wright AS Wilcox Premier Club player of the year – Joe Reynolds