Martin brings it in for Counties

Waite gets the game underway

Both sides are out and we are all set for kick off

Counties Manukau and Taranaki get round three of the Mitre 10 Cup underway. Historically, Taranaki has the edge in this encounter and will look to continue that trend having last lost to Counties in 2013. Taranaki bounced back from opening defeat to Bay of Plenty to beat Manwatu 41-21 while Counties are still in search of their first win of the season.

Counties Manukau Last beat Taranaki in 2013 successfully defending the Ranfurly Shield with a 44-7 win

These two sides have faced off 36 times since 1956-2017 with Counties Manukau recording 13 wins compared to Taranaki's 21. (Draws: 2)