Rugby: Steamers get 'embarrassing' lesson

Bay of Plenty fullback Te Rangi Fraser takes on the Waikato defence at Tauranga Domain.

Bay of Plenty Steamers were taught a rugby lesson by Waikato in an ITM Cup crossover match at the revamped Tauranga Domain yesterday.

Premier side Waikato scored six tries to one in their 43-10 victory over a tired looking Steamers outfit, backing up from a tough game against Southland on Wednesday night.

The pre-match hype at the Domain was all about how good it was to see top level rugby back in the central city. There was no doubt the build-up downtown and atmosphere at the ground was vastly superior to what spectators endure at Baypark.

But the players had to play their part and sadly, in the first half, they simply did not compete, as Waikato took complete control of the match.

Steamers co-captain Culum Retallick said his team's performance was "really disappointing and embarrassing".

"It was disrespectful really to have a game here and not front like that," he said. "I don't know what to say really. I'd like to think we were fired up too like they were. We have been under pressure in our scrum from week two and we have to make some quick learnings and get things right."

Winger Tino Nemani made an early impact with two strong runs for the Steamers. Dan Hollinshead opened the scoring with a penalty from 25m, but that was it for the rest of the half.

Unforced errors let Waikato control the game and after some good, early defensive efforts, the Steamers' systems just fell apart. The line defence, so good against Southland, seemed to cave in and Waikato ran in three unanswered tries. The only consolation for the Steamers at the break was some sloppy handling and careless passing from Waikato which kept the score within reach.

Obviously the Steamers needed to open the second half far more motivated than the first, and they did put some good phases together, without threatening Waikato's line. Too often the backs failed to reach the advantage line as they tried to attack from slow, under-pressure ball.

Waikato eased away with the match with second half tries to Jordan Payne, Zane Kapeli and James Tucker. Joe Tupe scored a late consolation for the Steamers.

Waikato 43 (Brad Weber 2, Michael Mayhew, Jordan Payne, Zane Kapeli, James Tucker tries; Damien McKenzie 5 cons, pen) Bay of Plenty 10 (Joe Tupe try; Dan Hollinshead con, pen) Half-time 24-3