Steelers Rally from Poor Start to Face Canterbury in NPC Quarterfinals

Counties Manukau’s remarkable turnaround in the 2023 National Provincial Championship (NPC) stems from a pivotal moment on September 4. During halftime of a crucial match against North Harbour, second-five Gibson Popoali’i made an impassioned plea to coach Reon Graham, insisting, “Don’t take me off, whatever you do.” This moment marked the beginning of a stunning recovery for the Steelers, who shifted from a dismal 0-5 start to a five-game winning streak, a feat not achieved by the province in two decades.

The Steelers faced North Harbour at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe, where their playoff aspirations hung in the balance. Trailing 11-7 at halftime and struggling to find their form, the team was desperate for a spark. Popoali’i’s determination proved crucial as he delivered a standout performance, helping secure a 22-19 victory. His contributions included a late try and a decisive long-range penalty, which ultimately propelled the Steelers to their first win of the season.

The significance of this victory cannot be understated. Following this match, Counties Manukau transformed into the form team of the competition. The Steelers achieved a remarkable 64-10 victory over Southland, followed by back-to-back home wins against Auckland (49-28) and Manawatū (48-24). They solidified their playoff position with a thrilling 49-41 upset of Tasman in Nelson, averaging an impressive 52.5 points per game during this four-match stretch.

Graham attributed the sudden shift in the team’s offensive capabilities to a newfound confidence. He noted, “We were probably playing within ourselves a little bit. Our game model hasn’t changed, but the personnel, when you’re a wee bit more settled, you’re able just to pull the trigger a wee bit more and play your game.” This shift allowed the Steelers to embrace their attacking style, reminiscent of past Counties teams known for their dynamic play.

Injuries had plagued the Steelers early in the season, with as many as 19 contracted players unavailable at one point. However, as key players returned, the team found stability in their line-up. The leadership of captain Jimmy Tupou and the experience of former All Blacks such as Dalton Papali’i have played a vital role in their resurgence. The return of fly-half AJ Alatimu, who has been instrumental since taking over as the starter, has also contributed significantly to the team’s success.

Counties Manukau’s journey mirrors last season, where they began with four consecutive losses before winning five of their next six matches. This year, they hope to surpass their previous quarterfinal appearance and secure a spot in the semifinals for the first time since 2016.

The Steelers now prepare to face top-seeded Canterbury in Christchurch, a team they did not encounter during the regular season. Graham acknowledges the challenge ahead, stating, “They’re obviously a quality side, top the stats in a lot of areas, are good smart footballers, well-coached… But it’s a one-off game. We don’t want to bow out as early as we did last year, so we’ll be throwing everything at it.” Despite being seen as underdogs with odds of $4.80, the Steelers are ready to embrace the challenge with a “nothing to lose” mentality.

The upcoming quarterfinal promises to be a defining moment for Counties Manukau as they aim to continue their remarkable turnaround and bring their season to new heights.