Tuiloma’s first hat- trick by a prop for 32 years sets up Steelers
Some rugby fans may have wondered what would happen if the Steelers uncorked an all- round display. They wonder no longer, though Waikato might be wondering what hit them early last night in this Pukekohe derby.
The Steelers ripped into the Ranfurly Shield holders in the set pieces, and collisions, led by the indefatigable Jordan Taufua. In short, their forwards smashed the Mooloos. Were it not for some dusty handling at times by the Steelers, and a gritty comeback, the scoreline might have got ugly for the visitors. The hosts now shoot to the top of the Mitre 10 Premiership, with eight bonus points, though they may surrender that lead, dependent on Saturday results.
Steelers tighthead Kalolo Tuiloma, tipping the scales at 140kg, crossed for an astonishing hat- trick within the opening 16 minutes, the first time a prop has scored three tries in an NPC match since Wellington All Black Brian McGrattan in 1984. But he was replaced at halftime with possible concussion after looking listless for some of the second quarter. It didn’t affect the Steelers scrum, which was solid all night. It helped that they could bring on All Black front- rowers in the form of Hika Elliot and Pauliasi Manu. Halfback August Pulu was again in sterling form, and tackled like he was closer to Tuiloma’s size.
Waikato crawled back into the game via four tries but they were always playing catch- up rugby. There was no joy for first- five Sam Christie in his 50th game for the province, though Whetu Douglas and Steven Misa gave their all.
The win caps a marvellous week for Counties Manukau rugby. Last weekend, their senior men’s and women’s teams both beat Auckland, while on Wednesday, their under- 19s won the Michael Jones Trophy at the national tournament.
The Steelers travel to Blenheim for a Thursday fixture with Tasman, while Waikato have a Wednesday night Ranfurly Shield appointment with Canterbury in Hamilton. Counties Manukau 35 ( Kalolo Tuiloma 3, Gafatasi Sua, Sione Fifita tries; Piers Francis 2 cons, 2 pens) Waikato 26 ( Iliesa Tavuyara Ratuva, Brad Tucker, Steven Misa, Jason Robertson tries; Robertson 2 cons, Sam Christie con). Halftime: 22- 5. What does that tell us? Dixon was allowed to play because he won’t be in the front line in Argentina or South Africa, he asked to play because he’s forgotten how or the selectors thought he needed a burst to get him back in test shape for the next assignment against the Pumas.
It tells me something is out of whack here or there is something we don’t know. Was he struggling with an injury that needed rest, is there some issue with Southland maybe?
Dixon earns his coin as a professional sportsman and as one of the highest rated loose forwards in New Zealand; if he’s not in the international 23 he should have been playing for his province.
He was in and around the All Blacks and there may be some clause in the players’ collective agreement that prevented Dixon from weaving between national obligations and provincial assistance. James Parsons, Damian McKenzie and George Moala are others who have been scratched from provincial appearances after All Black interference this season.
There’s no shortage of blindside flankers who could have been picked if Dixon was crocked playing for Southland.
The All Blacks have five- eighths coming out their ying- yang, hookers demanding pick- me performances but the granddaddy congestion of all is at blindside flanker.
Jerome Kaino has worn the No 6 jersey with distinction through an illustrious career as the conga- line of congestion lengthens behind him.
Add Sam Whitelock to the list after he eased into those duties and scored a try against the Springboks when injury reshuffles were mixed in with substitutions.
That list has pushed deep into double figures if you think Patrick Tuipulotu or the promise of Michael Fatialofa, Taleni Seu, Jimmy Tupou and Blade Thomson.
Former All Blacks Steven Luatua and Luke Whitelock are hovering, Brad Shields has been megaconsistent and Vaea Fifita offers all sorts of possibilities.
There are others and the biggest frame and name among them is Akira Ioane. He chose to play sevens at the Olympics and still made headlines in Super Rugby. He’s 21 and making an impact in the forwards while his younger brother Rieko, an outside back, was called in to help the All Black squad.
Who goes on the November tours for the All Blacks and the NZ Maori side — neither, one or both — and what about Dixon? The next two weeks are crucial for all of them.