Canterbury produced a late surge to beat a second-string Counties Manukau side and put themselves in a strong position to host an ITM Cup Premiership semi-final.

The five-time defending champions scored four tries in 15 minutes in Christchurch to leap-frog Auckland into second place in the standings.

Counties had earlier looked good for a shock victory when they led 23-9 midway through the second spell, the Steelers' energy and work-rate belying the lack of big names in their line-up after coach Tana Umaga fielded a starting XV with 13 changes having already secured the fourth play-off spot and with the Ranfurly Shield to defend against Southland next Friday.

Counties scored the only try of the opening spell, and it was no less than they deserved for their lively start. Skipper Mark Selwyn began the attack with a chip that he 8 regathered before the Steelers kept the ball alive for Tyrone Lefau to dot down. Ki Anufe's conversion took the visitors out to a 13-6 lead. Canterbury continued to struggle to impose themselves, their only reply before half-time a third Tyler Bleyendaal penalty.

The Steelers went further ahead early in the second spell with an Anufe penalty, and a boilover looked to be on the cards when flanker Sean Reidy found a gap to the corner to score the Steelers' second try. But that proved the signal for Canterbury to mount their fightback.

Patrick Osborne scored Canterbury's first try before Nasi Manu went over in the corner and Luke Whitelock bagged a brace to seal the victory.

The semi-final pairings had already been decided before the match. Competition leaders Wellington will host Counties Manukau, while Canterbury and Auckland will square off in the other eliminator at a venue to be decided by results next week.