Suasua backs Laulala for job
Counties Manukau Steelers’ smallest player Luteru Laulala has copped the biggest assignment of his burgeoning rugby career.
The 21-year-old who stands just 1.83cm tall and weights in at 95 kgs, has been handed his team’s No.10 jersey for the Mitre 10 Cup semi final against Canterbury at AMI Stadium in Christchurch on Sunday.
He has been give the job of directing the Steelers around the park because first choice first five Piers Francis and his deputy Joe Reynolds are both out injured.
The experienced Francis, the Blues rookie of the year, broke his hand during the Steelers’ 33-21 upset of Canterbury at ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe last Saturday. Reynolds also has a fractured hand, one he got while training for the Canterbury game.
Laulala, who has been a revelation at fullback for the Steelers this season, may be the third choice. But he is one that coach Darryl Suasua is confident will do the job.
‘‘I’m confident Luteru will do the job for us, just like he did when he replaced Piers against Canterbury last Saturday. I thought he controlled the game well when he took over.
‘‘He has had a really good season at fullback for us and I’m sure he will be just as good on Saturday. He is not new to the first five position. He played at No.10 while with Canterbury and the Chiefs have also run him in that position, so he does have some pedigree.’’
Suasua says he and his team are under no illusion as to how tough it’s going to be beating a Canterbury team smarting from last week’s loss.
‘‘Defence will be key. If we can get our defence right we certainly can play with turnover ball. The other key will be our preparation. The guys prepared really well for the game last Saturday. There was a lot of clarity about our roles and we knew exactly what we wanted to do.’’
Suasua has a response for those who say history is against the Steelers.
‘‘That was said last week before we faced Canterbury, a team Counties Manukau hadn’t beaten in 18 years. It was also said when we played Auckland at Eden Park an beat them. And of course there’s the Counties Manukau Heat who ended Auckland’s streak of 15 women’s titles in 16 years. We’re taking inspiration from the Heat.’’