Centre Tevita Ofa has slotted a sideline conversion to propel Counties-Manukau to a last-gasp 31-29 NPC win over Canterbury at Pukekohe.
Trailling 29-17 midway through the second half, the Steelers mounted a strong comeback, with replacement Adam Brash narrowing the margin with a close-range try, converted by Ofa.
Their cause was helped, when Canterbury flanker Tom Christie copped a yellow card in the final minute of regulation play, giving the home side a numerical advantage, as they threw everything at their guests.
Two minutes after the final siren, Counties were still on the attack and No.8 Hoskins Sotutu burst off the back of an attacking scrum in front of the posts. When he was hauled down centimetres short, the ball was spun right, where replacement winger Blake Makiri dived over in the corner to level the scores and give his team a sniff.
With the last act of the game, Ofa teed the ball up just inside the touchline and stroked a high kick that snuck over the ball, between the uprights.
"That was clutch!" said Counties captain Sean Reidy. "That's what the punters back home want to see - it was awesome.
"We had a couple of bites at the cherry that didn't work out, but we ground away and, far out, credit to the boys for sticking in there.
"Canterbury are a good side, look how many Super [Rugby] players they have. The boys fronted up in front of our home fans on a Wednesday and got the job done."
The Steelers held a 17-10 after half an hour, before prop Daniel Lienert-Brown scored and Fergus Burke converted to bring Canterbury level at halftime. The red-and-blacks established their double-figure advantage with tries to Christie and No.8 Cullen Grace, before the South Aucklanders responded down the stretch.
The result leaves Canterbury third on the competition table with four wins, three losses and 10 bonus points, with a home game against Southland looming on Sunday. Counties have three wins and four losses, with a visit to Tasman scheduled for Sunday.
Counties Manukau 31 (Thompson, Moananu, Brash & Makiri tries; Alatimu conversion & penalty, Ofa 3 conversions) Canterbury 29 (Funell, Lienert-Brown, Christie & Grace tries; Burke 3 conversions & penalty)
