Bay of Plenty Volcanix raring to go in Farah Palmer Cup

By David Beck

Multimedia sports journalist·Rotorua Daily Post·

1 Sep, 2017 08:30 PM4 mins to read

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FRESH START: Waikite's Autumn-Rain Stephens in action for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix last season. PHOTO/FILE

Despite a winless Farah Palmer Cup campaign in 2016, the Bay of Plenty Volcanix are brimming with confidence ahead of their opening game against Auckland in Whakatane.Volcanix captain Kaci James said the team's motto this season was "be better than before". They will need to be today against an Auckland

"Everyone's definitely excited, mainly because we've all been training since February. We started earlier so we are all fitter and mentally stronger this year.

"We're in a better place than we've been in years. I think there has been more support from the union, they're backing the girls a bit more. They've given us trainers, the gym and a lot more support to get us where we need to be," James said.

When asked what made her feel this would be a better season than last year, she said it was the attitude of every player in the squad.

"The coach [Brendon Webby] has implemented a 'triple A' culture, which means have the right attitude, be athletic and be accountable for your actions. Every player has adopted that, every player is training and every player wants that jersey - there's a fight for the jersey.

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"It's not just about talent anymore, the coaches are demanding more from the players. No matter how much talent you've got, if you're not training and not being a part of the culture they don't want to know you."

While there are a handful of players, such as 35-year-old James, who have been in the team for a long time, there is also a group of exciting young players who will wear blue and yellow for the first time.

"For us oldies, we need that youth to keep us on our toes, and they need us to keep them grounded.

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"There's definitely a good atmosphere, whereas in the past there was more of an us and them attitude between the different generations."

James said she expected a tough game against an Auckland team which was strong all over the paddock.

But, she also believed the Volcanix were better equipped to deal with those threats than they had been in previous seasons.

"They've got awesome backs and a huge forward pack. They have lots of speed in their backs and last year that's what we lacked, they just ran around us.

"We've got a group of backs with some real speed this year - watching them and seeing them has given the team a whole lot of confidence about where we can go with that and how we can use that."

She said doing well against Auckland would start at the set piece.

"If our forwards can stay strong and lead from set pieces, it will give our backs the confidence to move forward and finish.

"Mentally, we need to keep our heads in the game for the whole 80 minutes," James said.

Webby has named an exciting squad for the opening game.

Waikite's Luka Connor will pack down in the front row with Rangiuru's Ereti Williams and Baye Jacob. An experienced locking duo of captain Kaci James and Kate Henwood will complete the tight five. Vice-captain Christie Yule will slot in on the blindside, with Kendra Reynolds as the openside flanker. To complete the forward pack Waikite's Sequoia Autumn will debut in the No 8 jersey.

Halfback Polly Playle will combine with debutant Ora Williams at first five eighth. The midfield will see Rangiuru's Shaye Whareaorere at second five eighth and Aryahn Clarke at centre. Autumn-Rain Stephens and Sapphire Tapsell will be explosive from their respective left and right wings, with Black Ferns Sevens player Crystal Mayes debuting at fullback.

Four debutants will look to get involved off the bench.

Bay of Plenty Volcanix team to play Auckland
Kick-off 12pm at Rugby Park in Whakatane on Saturday, September 2
1. Luka Connor (19)
2. Ereti Williams (10)
3. Baye Jacob (8)
4. Kaci James (18) - Captain
5. Kate Henwood (12)
6. Christie Yule (6) - Vice Captain
7. Kendra Reynolds (13)
8. Sequoia Autumn*
9. Polly Playle (7)
10. Ora Williams*
11. Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly (11)
12. Shaye Whareaorere (5)
13. Aryahn Clarke (3)
14. Sapphire Tapsell (7)
15. Crystal Mayes*

Reserves:
16. Julie Lewis (13)
17. Julia Buescher*
18. Makayla Daysh (1)
19. Lily Florence (6)
20. Brigid Cameron*
21. Tania-Rose Raharuhi*
22. Zaan Scott*