27 Oct 2012

Steelers race home in second half to win the Championship

5:45 am on 27 October 2012

Counties Manukau has won the provincial rugby Championship, beating Otago 41-16 in the final in Pukekohe.

Counties led 20-13 at half-time before racing clear with a big second half, scoring five tries to one with the Steelers halfback August Pulu nabbing a double to win man of the match honours.

The victory earns Counties promotion into next year's ITM Cup Premiership, and gives them their first silverware since 1993 when they won the old second division.

It's also the first title for the former All Black captain Tana Umaga as a head coach, in his first year in the role for Counties.