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NPC
MAN vs COU
NPC
Massey University, Palmerston North
Manawatu
vs
Counties Manukau
26
FT
45
Action
Lineups
All
Facts Only
All
Full-Time: 26 - 45
That's all we have for you from the pristine fields of Massey University in Palmerston North, thank you for joining us on Tribe! Be sure to catch plenty more Provincial rugby action this weekend with the race for the playoffs, plus a Ranfurly Shield match makes for some great entertainment! For now, I am Cam Russell, signing off.
Whatever was said in the sheds at halftime for Counties seemed to work, as they were out of sorts through the first half, but turned it around in the second to blow the Turbos away. The addition of their All Black substitutes, in the form of Roigard and Papali'i helped considerably, both bagging tries and setting up others, in a devastating patch in the middle of the second half that could not be stopped. It puts the Steelers in a playoff position for the moment, sitting in 7th on the table, but their position is precarious as they will watch the matches that Canterbury and North Harbour are involved in which will ultimately decide their fate for next week.
Manawatu looked the better team for the majority of this game today, but, it fell apart for them for 15mins from 55-70, which was too much to catch up on. Howden was excellent for the home side, crossing the line twice, and Campbell steered the team around the paddock well when he came on, setting up a try for Filimone near the end. But unfortunately, it means another wooden spoon for the men from the Knowledge City, as their season comes to a close, and they will look to regroup for the 2026 edition.
80+1'
Restart is claimed by Popoali'i who says that's enough for today, and toes it out to end this points-fest!
80'
Ofa pushes it wide from his spot near the left touch line.
80'
T. Ofa
Missed Conversion
79'
POPOALI'I DANCES HIS WAY OVER! Manawatu claim the restart and run it out strong from their 22! It's in vain though, as Counties get over the ball in midfield and win the penalty for holding on. Quick tap and pass to the right wing as the Steelers enter the 22. They look left, Popoali'i gets it with 20m to run and all sorts of defense around, but he puts on the footwork to score out left!
79'
26-45 G. Popoali'i
Try
78'
Jobe nails the kick from the right touch!