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Counties overcome slow start to comfortably conquer Southland for second Mitre 10 Cup win

September 8, 2018

Counties Manukau have overcome a slow start to post a big win over Southland in their Mitre 10 Cup clash at Rugby Park in Invercargill this afternoon.

The Steelers fell behind 14-0 in the opening quarter of the match but recovered to post an impressive 43-26 victory.

After a try off a close lineout from flanker Fotu Lokotui, Counties continued to build pressure and confidence leading to stellar try credited to halfback Te Aihe Toma.

Second-five Cardiff Vaega made a break down the left side of the field before linking up with winger Tevita Nabura.

Nabura found space behind Southland's line with a chipped kick despite having passing options inside him.

The bounce sat up perfectly for Toma who ran onto the ball and made his way to the line to score, giving Counties a lead they wouldn't surrender for the rest of the match heading into halftime.

Counties piled on three more tries in the second half before Southland responded but they left their comeback run too late.

The win is just the second of the season for Counties in five games while Southland remains the only winless province in the Mitre 10 Cup after four matches.

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