Top Performers - Counties v Bay of Plenty
- 1806
Bay of Plenty claimed their second Premiership scalp in as many weeks after they followed up their 30-10 win over Taranaki with nail-biting 17-22 win over Counties.
Here our Top Performers from the clash.
Mike Delany - Bay of Plenty
The Steamers veteran first five guided his side to a Championship Final last season and looks set to do the same this season.
The former All Blacks had one or two hiccups against Counties but overall he controlled the game well and put Counties on the back foot with pinpoint kicking.
Chase Tiatia - Bay of Plenty
Like Delany, Tiatia was key to the Steamers success last season and delivered a similar performance today against the Steelers.
Tiatia was not afraid to run the ball from deep and made metres with relative ease.
He was also dangerous at set pieces and could have completed his hattrick if weren't for the Counties relentless defence.
Sam Henwood - Counties Manukau
The Counties no.8 and captain was lively on attack and defence for a full 80 minutes.
He caught the Bay of Plenty defence napping in the 68th minute with a quick tap and go to give his side a chance of stealing game.
His work at the breakdown was also exceptional making it difficult for Bay of Plenty to take control.
Latiume Fosita - Counties Manukau
A calm and collected performance by the Counties first five today.
He got his side out of trouble with his boot a number of times and did it with little fuss.
Richard Judd- Bay of Plenty
The nifty halfback was a handful for the Counties defence today.
His passing and kicking was on point and he tested the Counties defence with a number of clever snipes.
He also set up a try with a nice chip kick over the defence for Chase Tiatia.