Lomu inspiring figure for Counties
The Counties Manukau Steelers will be looking for inspiration in the memory of Jonah Lomu when they play Wellington in Pukekohe today.
The Mitre 10 Cup clash doubles as the Jonah Lomu Memorial Trophy match, nearly three years on from the passing of the great All Blacks wing who played 29 times for Counties Manukau and on 21 occasions for Wellington.
The match will raise funds for Hospice, which recently cared for another Counties Manukau icon in former player and coach Mac McCallion with $1 of the $11 entry fee – to recognise the man who made the No 11 jersey so famous – going to the charity.
McCallion, who also assisted Graham Henry at the Blues, died after a battle with cancer in March.
Steelers coach Darryl Suasua said the day would be special for both teams. Focusing on getting a win over Wellington, as they look to build on recent victories against Hawke’s Bay and Southland, was the immediate priority.
‘‘It is a big occasion for us and Wellington, and it should be a fantastic occasion to celebrate a great Counties Manukau player. The best way we can pay tribute is to perform on the field,’’ Suasua said.
‘‘We know it will be a huge challenge, with Wellington the form attacking team of the competition.’’
The Steelers side has a settled look, with just two changes from the combination that prevailed against Southland. Orbyn Leger comes in for an injured Sam Furniss at centre while star winger Toni Pulu returns from injury to take his starting spot on the right wing.
Two players at either end of the Steelers spectrum will be looking to make a significant contribution off the bench, in veteran lock Sikeli Nabou, in what will be his 49th game for the province, while young sevens star Etene Nanai-Seturo will earn his second cap off the bench after an exciting debut as a replacement in Southland.