Rugby: Steamers opt for new playmaker

Former Tauranga Boys' College player Dan Hollinshead has been selected to start at first five-eighth for the Steamers against Southland tonight. Photo / Adyn Ogle

The elevation of former Tauranga Boys' College pivot Dan Hollinshead to first choice Steamers first five-eighth is the main talking point ahead of tonight's opening ITM Cup match against Southland.

Tauranga Sports' Paul Morris had been presumed by many to be first choice to wear the No10 shirt, but Steamers coaches Kevin Schuler and Rodney Gibbs have instead put their faith in the 19-year-old Te Puke Pirate.

Hollinshead was ranked among the finest playmakers in secondary school rugby last year and has since completed a full Chiefs Development campaign and an impressive Baywide club rugby season with Te Puke.

Schuler, speaking from the Invercargill airport ahead of the team's captain's run in wet and windy conditions last night, is backing the young man to deliver against a tough opposition away from home.

"He's got a good eye for the gap and has shown the ability to lift his game to the next level, we are excited to see what Dan can do in the ITM Cup," Schuler said. "We don't have a first team at the moment. It's very important with the nature of this competition that everyone gets a chance to show what they can do."

Hollinshead is one of seven players earning their first Steamers ITM Cup cap, and will start alongside David Whitecliffe-Davies, Whakarewarewa prop and captain Siegfried Fisiihoi and Doug Edwards and fullback Byron McGuigan.

Fellow new caps Teddy Stanaway - who has overcome symptoms of concussion - and Hamish Gosling are likely to see game time off a seven-man bench that includes front row replacements Mike Kainga and Vyron Smith.

The coaching staff have opted for size in a backline featuring the threats of Edwards, Siaosi Iongi and former Highlanders winger Tino Nemani.

"There's no secrets when you see the profile of the team - it's giving us a better opportunity of getting over the gain line," Schuler said.

The match kicks off at Rugby Park, Invercargill, at 7.35pm.

Steamers

Bay of Plenty Steamers: 1. Siegfried Fisiihoi, 2. Joe Royal, 3. Pingi Tala'apitaga, 4. Culum Retallick (c), 5. Tim Bond, 6. Johan Bardoul, 7. Dave Whitecliffe-Davies, 8.Carl Axtens, 9. Samisoni Fisilau, 10. Dan Hollinshead, 11. Kimami Sitauti, 12. Doug Edwards, 13. Siaosi Iongi, 14. Tino Nemani, 15. Byron McGuigan.

Reserves: 16. Vyron Smith, 17. Mike Kainga, 18. Josh Sole, 19. Joe Tupe, 20. Hamish Gosling, 21. Teddy Stanaway, 22. Te Aihe Toma.

Coaches: Kevin Schuler and Rodney Gibbs