BOP Steamers feeling positive ahead of Mitre 10 Cup season opener

Steamers outside back Isaac Te Aute races away for a try during a game against Northland last season. Photo/File

The Mitre 10 Cup is upon us and the Bay of Plenty Steamers players are bubbling away in a hot pool of positivity ahead of their opening game against Northland tomorrow.The start of any competition is an exciting time, nobody knows what drama lies ahead, and this game, being played in Whangarei, is the first step.

Last year the Steamers finished fourth in the championship before being knocked out in the semi-finals by Otago.

However, they have recruited well this year and, if everything falls into place, there is no reason they can't go all the way.

Assistant coach Rodney Gibbs said the team's preparation had been "really good".

"We've got no major issues, they're fit and ready to go - the boys are looking forward to it. We've had a good build-up.

"[This weekend] we want to see them get through their work, like we've trained for throughout the pre-season. We're looking for them to bring a bit of physicality to this game, it's going to be really important against these guys," Gibbs said.

He said it would be important to play the game at the right end of the field against Northland.

"Our territory game will be important - it's really important we play in their half. That'll be a big focus for us, making sure we're down their end of the field.

"Defensively we need to make sure, especially the first couple of phases, that we're not leaking," he said.

He said having experienced players, such as 35-year-old Mike Delany who has returned to the Bay from England where he was playing for the Newcastle Falcons, is a big boost for the side.

"His knowledge and experience will play a big part. He's here to do that, to share his knowledge, and he's been great on and off the field. His professionalism, not just him but the other senior guys as well, they all bring a lot of benefits," he said.

The Steamers captain for Sunday's clash, lock Keepa Mewett, said the players were all upbeat and excited about finally getting the season started.

"By the looks of the team Northland have named, they've got a pretty big pack and they have a lot of X-factor in the backline as well.

"Especially playing in Whangarei, they're pretty strong at home and they have a new coaching set-up, so it's definitely going to be a good challenge.

"We need to really front up physically and be a bit faster around the breakdown area to create faster ball for our exciting guys out wide," Mewett said.

He said the team had come a long way professionally during the last eight or nine months.

"There's quite a big group of Super Rugby guys returning to the fold and a couple of new guys, which makes it a pretty exciting squad. The last few years we've had a bit more youth, some greener guys, but this year there's a pretty good mix.

"We've got a strong leadership group, which will help those younger guys come through and express themselves," he said.

Head coach Clayton McMillan has named an experienced starting 15 for the game, including five Bay of Plenty debutants.

In his blazer game (15 games) loosehead prop Aidan Ross will be joined by Chiefs teammate Siegfried Fisi'ihoi and hooker James O'Reilly to pack down the front of the scrum.

An experienced locking duo of Mewett and Bay of Plenty debutant Tom Franklin will complete the tight five. Blindside flanker Hugh Blake will be joined by debutants Mitchell Karpik and Tyler Ardron to round out the forward pack.

Debuting halfback Richard Judd will combine with Delany at first five. The midfield will see Te Puna's Terrence Hepetema at second five and Rangataua's Lalakai Foketi at centre.

All Black Sevens player Joe Webber will debut on the left wing with Monty Ioane on the right. Chase Tiatia, in his blazer game, will complete the explosive backline taking his place at fullback.

Whakarewarewa prop Jordan Lay will be hoping to earn his first cap off the bench wearing the No17 jersey.

Bay of Plenty v Northland
Sunday, 2.35pm, Toll Stadium, Whangarei.
Played: 60. Northland 35 wins, Bay of Plenty 24 wins, 1 draw
Last match: Bay of Plenty 50 Northland 25, September 9, 2016, Rotorua

Bay of Plenty Steamers team to play Northland
1. Aidan Ross
2. James O'Reilly
3. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi
4. Tom Franklin
5. Keepa Mewett (C)
6. Hugh Blake
7. Mitchell Karpik
8. Tyler Ardron
9. Richard Judd
10. Mike Delany (VC)
11. Joe Webber
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Monty Ioane
15. Chase Tiatia

Reserves:
16. Sebastian Siataga
17. Jordan Lay
18. Jeff Thwaites
19. Troy Callander
20. Henry Stowers
21. Luke Campbell
22. Elijah Nicholas
23. Isaac Te Aute