Mitre 10 Cup RD 10 Highlights: Counties Manukau v Southland

Counties Manukau put an end to Southland's hopes of a semi-final spot with a 25-17 home win in the final round of the regular season in an all championship clash. It took until the 31st minute for Counties Manukau to break the deadlock as they crossed for a try to lead 7-0. It went from bad to worse for Southland as they picked up a yellow card just before halftime to start the second half with 14 players trailing 7-0 at the break. Counties Manukau got off to the perfect start in the second half, with a try just two minutes in making it 14-0. Southland were desperate for a response and hit back shortly after with their first try to get on the board trailing 14-5. Ten minutes later and Southland were in again with their second try to reduce the deficit to only two points at 14-12. Counties Manukau steadied the ship with a penalty on the hour mark to make it a five point ball game with the final quarter to play. Counties Manukau kept the scoreboard ticking over, slotting a penalty 8 minutes from time to make it a two score ball game at 20-12. Counties Manukau sealed the victory with a late score, with Southland scoring a try with the final play of the match.