Counties Manukau Steelers: A History of Bold Rugby
The story of the Counties Manukau Steelers is one of courage, risk-taking, and an unwavering commitment to an attacking style of play. From its humble beginnings as a sub-union to its rise as a powerhouse in New Zealand provincial rugby, the union has consistently sought to establish a unique identity defined by adventurous football.
The Evolution of the Union
The foundation of the union dates back to 1926 with the establishment of the South Auckland sub-union of the Auckland Rugby Football Union. It took nearly three decades for the organization to gain full independence, officially becoming a full union under the name South Auckland Counties in 1955. By 1956, the name was shortened to simply "Counties," and it wasn't until 1995 that the union adopted its current name, Counties Manukau.
The union's early years were marked by a steep learning curve. Their inaugural match in 1955 against Auckland in Waiuku resulted in a heavy 95–3 defeat. However, the team showed early promise that same year by defeating a Wellington XV twice, including a 19–6 victory at Bledisloe Park in Pukekohe, where Pat Walsh became the union's first All Black by scoring twice.
A Legacy of Attacking Rugby
The identity of Counties was heavily shaped by coaches Barry Bracewell (1961–63, 1967–75) and his successor, Tauroa. At a time when the prevailing rugby ethos favored forward dominance and conservative play from the backs, Bracewell championed a different approach. He prioritized mobile forwards and exciting backs, implementing aggressive attacking game plans that defied the norms of the era.
This philosophy led to a golden era of achievements. In 1979, Counties captured the NPC (National Provincial Championship) title, securing victories over a long list of opponents including Waikato, Wellington, Canterbury, and Southland, as well as international sides Victoria and Argentina. Their success extended beyond New Zealand borders when they won the Inter-Dominion Championship against Queensland in Brisbane and defeated Australia 15–9 in 1982.
Heartbreak and the Ranfurly Shield
Despite their brilliance, the union's history is punctuated by narrow misses and controversial losses, particularly regarding the Ranfurly Shield (a prestigious trophy contested in a challenge format). In 1982, while competing for both the Shield and the NPC championship against Canterbury, a disputed offside call against Robert Kururangi allowed Canterbury to kick a winning penalty.
Similar agony struck in 1981 during a 21–21 draw with Waikato following two late penalties, and again in 1985 against Auckland. In the latter match, a potential try by Dave Trombik was disallowed following a conversation between the referee and Auckland captain Andy Haden, leading to a narrow 12–9 loss.
The Modern Era and the 2013 Triumph
The mid-1990s saw the emergence of one of the greatest Counties sides in history. Featuring stars such as Jonah Lomu, Joeli Vidiri, and Tony Marsh, the team reached the NPC finals in 1996 and 1997. A standout moment occurred in the 1997 semi-final in Hamilton; trailing 9–33 and motivated by a stadium announcement that tickets for a Waikato home final were already on sale, Counties staged a massive comeback to win 43–40.
Following a period of decline and a stint in the second division starting in 2001—which saw the loss of talents like Kieran Read and Sitiveni Sivivatu—the union returned to the top flight in 2006 via the Air New Zealand Cup Premier Division. The appointment of former All Black captain Tana Umaga as player/coach in 2010, and later head coach in 2011, signaled a new chapter.
The ultimate redemption came in 2013. After 24 unsuccessful challenges and two draws, captain Fritz Lee finally lifted the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in the province's history after a dramatic 27–24 victory over Hawkes Bay.
Key Facts
- Founded: 1926 (as a sub-union); 1955 (as a full union).
- First All Black: Pat Walsh.
- Major Honors: NPC Champions (1979) and Ranfurly Shield winners (2013).
- Notable Players: Jonah Lomu, Joeli Vidiri, and Tana Umaga.
- Defining Style: High-risk, mobile forward play and attacking backs.
| Year | Event/Achievement | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| 1955 | Full Union Status | Became "South Auckland Counties" |
| 1979 | NPC Championship | First major national title |
| 1982 | Victory over Australia | Defeated the Wallabies 15–9 |
| 1997 | NPC Semi-Final Comeback | Won 43–40 after trailing 9–33 |
| 2013 | Ranfurly Shield Win | First Shield in province history |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the union become known as Counties Manukau?
The name Counties Manukau was officially adopted in 1995.
Who was the first All Black from the union?
Pat Walsh was the union's first All Black, scoring twice in a 19–6 win over a Wellington XV in 1955.
What is the significance of the 1979 season?
In 1979, Counties won the NPC championship, defeating a wide array of New Zealand provinces as well as international teams from Argentina and Victoria.
How long did it take for Counties to win the Ranfurly Shield?
It took until 2013 for the union to win the Shield, following 24 unsuccessful challenges and two draws.
Which famous players have represented Counties Manukau?
The union has been represented by legendary figures including Jonah Lomu, Joeli Vidiri, Tana Umaga, and Kieran Read.