IN FORM: Steamers No 8 Joe Tupe was a dominant force against Northland last week. PHOTO/FILE A_050816jb27BOP
IN FORM: Steamers No 8 Joe Tupe was a dominant force against Northland last week. PHOTO/FILE A_050816jb27BOP
Bay of Plenty coach Clayton McMillan has announced his squad to play in their final pre-season match against Auckland on Friday before their Mitre 10 Cup opener against Taranaki at the Tauranga Domain on August 20.
James O'Reilly, former New Zealand Under-20 player, has joined the squad as an injuryreplacement for hookers Sabastian Siataga (knee) and Joseph Royal (thumb).
Former Italy first-five Kelly Haimona will be hoping to get a run on the field following his return from injury. No 8 Eru Smith-Wano and winger Monty Ioane will also be re-joining the squad.
Auckland v Bay of Plenty Steamers pre-season: Shore Road Reserve, Remuera, Auckland (Kick off 12.30pm)
Bay of Plenty squad: Hookers: James O'Reilly, Leigh Hughes; props Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Aidan Ross, Solomona Sakalia, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Jeff Thwaites Locks: Troy Callander, Keepa Mewett, Culum Retallick Flankers: Matty Axtens, Hugh Blake, Jesse Parete, Henry Stowers No 8s: Eru Smith-Wano, Joe Tupe Halfbacks: Luke Campbell, Ruki Tipuna, Te Aihe Toma First-fives: Kelly Haimona, Dan Hollinshead Midfielders: Lalakai Foketi, Terrence Hepetema Outside backs: Monty Ioane, Elijah Nicholas, Chase Tiatia, Isaac Te Aute
