Sonny Bill show starts

The latest episode of the Sonny Bill Williams show got into full swing at Pukekohe on Wednesday.

Williams, making his first appearance since returning to Rugby Union from Rugby League, played off the bench as Counties Manukau smashed Auckland 41-18 too keep alive their NPC play-off hopes.

Despite the record win by the Steelers, it was Williams that stole the spotlight.

The Steelers were already up 27-11 and had scored a bonus-point fourth try when a roar went up as Williams came on in the 60th minute.

The dual international's return to the Union code, after two years in League with the Sydney Roosters, resulted in a packed main stand and plenty of spectators on the bank.

He produced a couple of crash balls, a run from inside his own 22 and then a grubber ahead that set up attacking field position.

Allround it was a match to forget for Auckland, not only on the scoreboard, but on the injury front as well.

The record win over Waikato in their last outing was far removed from what was their heaviest loss to their southern neighbours, who based their victory on fine defence and a sound scrum.

A sickening head clash with prop Ofa Tu'ungafasi saw wing George Moala stretchered off, while promising blindside flank Joe Edwards had to be assisted from the field with a leg injury while just into the final quarter No.8 Peter Saili was stretchered off as well.

With one game remaining, against Northland, Auckland face a worrying time before their semifinal place is secure, while Counties Manukau have kept their hopes alive ahead of Sunday's game against Tasman.

Williams, who played his last NRL game with the Sydney Roosters just 12 days earlier, came away pleased with his first Rugby Union match in two years.

"It was just about going on and doing my role and I feel like I did that to the best of my ability," he said.

"It's about getting the feel for the game. The thing that was pleasing about tonight was that it came instinctively."

Williams said the match had a different feeling from his first foray into the 15-man code in 2008, when he quit the Canterbury Bulldogs to join French club Toulon.

"There's a lot of hard work, but it was a good start," he said.

Scorers:

Counties Manukau:

Tries: Halai 2, Tuala, Pulu, Henwood, Penalty try

Cons: Tuala, Nanai-Williams, Stanley 2

Pen: Tuala

Auckland:

Tries: Tu'ungafasi, Whetton

Con: Anscombe

Pens: Anscombe 2