Wonder Years
Counties Manukau rugby enjoyed its heyday in the 1980s. Led by Andy Dalton*, the team established grunting forwards including Alan Dawson and a free-wheeling style of backline play based on the silky skills and speed of players such as Bruce Robertson* and Robert Kururangi*. Other notable players from that era included Ken Parry, Paul Wardrop, Jack Kani, Rod Ketels, John Spiers and Lindsay Raki. From 1995 till 1999, captain Errol Brain led another successful era, with famous players such as Jonah Lomu*, Joeli Vidiri*, Danny Lee*, Tony Marsh, and Jim Coe. The "player drain" of stars such as Lomu (Wellington), Vidiri (Auckland), Lee (Otago), and Marsh (France), signalled a downturn in the fortunes of Counties. Other players who have moved on include Kristian Ormsby, Loki Crichton, Stephen Donald*, John Afoa*, and Sitiveni Sivivatu*, Casey Laulala*, Kieran Read* (younger grades)
- denotes a player who achieved All Blacks selection
Read more about this topic: Counties Manukau Rugby Union