The Bay of Plenty Steamers beat Tasman 27-7 in their NPC quarter-final at Tauranga Domain. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
The Bay of Plenty Steamers beat Tasman 27-7 in their NPC quarter-final at Tauranga Domain. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
The Bay of Plenty Steamers have powered into the Bunnings National Provincial Championship semifinals after ending Tasman Mako’s season in commanding fashion with a 27–7 victory in their quarter-final at Tauranga Domain on Saturday.
“Off to the semifinals baby,” the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union posted to its Facebook pageon Saturday evening.
Bay of Plenty's Lucas Cashmore (top) celebrates Fehi Fineanganofo's try during the quarter-final. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
It was déjà vu for the visitors, who were also beaten convincingly by Bay of Plenty in the first round of the competition, going down 37–7 at the same venue and again in front of a full house.
Tasman led 7–6 at the break, despite an early penalty from Lucas Cashmore getting the Steamers on the board.
But Bay of Plenty found another gear after halftime, dominating territory and possession to produce a clinical second-half performance and keep their visitors scoreless after the break.
Their attack clicked into gear with some superb tries as they completely shut Tasman out and sealed a well-deserved semifinal berth.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers beat Tasman 27-7 in their NPC quarter-final at Tauranga Domain on Saturday. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Steamers head coach Richard Watt said his side had to dig deep before pulling away.
“They knew at halftime they were in a grind,” Watt said. “We had to grind it out eventually, but I thought the boys handled the pressure really well.”
Bay of Plenty made two key changes following last week’s win over Wellington, with props Pasilio Tosi and Tevita Mafileo released from All Blacks duty to bolster the front row.
The spectators on their feet to cheer on a Bay of Plenty Steamers break at Tauranga Domain. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
Tosi replaced Benet Kumeroa at tighthead prop, while Jacob Norris came in for Joe Johnston on the blindside flank. Mafileo and Taine Kolose were added to the bench.
Kele Lasaqa scores for Bay of Plenty against Tasman. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
Watt said the returning front-rowers made a huge difference.
“Tosi and Mafileo were a much-needed boost for our front row, and they really made an impact,” he said.
“The bench was special – the boys that came on did a hell of a good job. They brought real punch off the bench and were a big reason we got over the line.”
One of the Steamers' unanswered second-half tries against Tasman at Tauranga Domain. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford
He praised the team’s composure in knockout rugby.
“At this stage of the season, you’re not playing easy teams – they’re all quality sides,” Watt said.
“But I saw the boys that came off the bench and they were outstanding. The two props came on, got that scrum penalty straight away and really shifted the momentum.”
The Tauranga Domain was packed with supporters. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
Canterbury beat Counties in extra time this afternoon, sending the Steamers to face Otago in Dunedin on Friday night. The winner will face the victor of the other semifinal between Canterbury and Hawke’s Bay.
