Video highlights: North Harbour beat Counties Manukau 20-17 in Mitre 10 cup opener

  • 18/08/2016
Afa Fa'atau scores for North Harbour (Photosport)
Afa Fa'atau scores for North Harbour (Photosport)

North Harbour have opened the Mitre 10 cup on high note edging Counties Manukau 20-17 at North Harbour Stadium.

The home side started stronger and took an early lead through winger Afa Fa'atau, but were unable to capitalise on numerous first half raids into the Steelers red zone.

That inability to capitalise on possession and territory ultimately cost Harbour when Jordan Taufua crossed the line for the visitors, after a strong lineout drive late in the first half to lock the score up going into the sheds.

Counties were strong with their defensive work throughout the game, which would no doubt please their assistant coach Stuart Lancaster, but when Matthew Little crossed midway through the second spell off the back of a Sam Vaka error, the hosts had opened up a 10 point lead.

Counties would cross the try line with minutes left on the clock to give them faint hope of a comeback win, but the home side held out and secured an opening round win.

It's the second time in two seasons that Championship side Harbour, have beaten Premiership rivals Counties, and that will serve the normally slow starting Harbour a world of good as the look to get back into the top tier of New Zealand domestic rugby.

Newshub.