There's been a lot more kick to this year's Bay of Plenty Steamers and Mike Delany is the man behind it.
The 2008 Highlander has found himself with a lot of kicking to do in general play as the experimental law variations being used in the Air New Zealand Cup place a premium on punting.
"It's pretty crucial with the ELVs. You don't want to get caught with the ball in your own 22," said the Steamers No 10, ahead of tonight's round four clash with Northland in Whangarei.
"You need an accurate kicking game _ especially with the back three sort of holding back a bit more than usual. It's very crucial to get an accurate kick in and try and get territory that way and force the mistakes from the other team."
The approach has certainly favoured the unbeaten Steamers so far.
Delany and co's kicking has turned the opposition around and 13 tries have followed.
The 26-year-old has been one of the Bay's best. He's showing the benefits of 10 outings _ fourin the starting side _ for theHighlanders during the Super 14 competition. Delany said he enjoyed the Dunedin experience but it was a little frustrating all the same.
"It was tough early on being on the bench and not really getting a crack but towards the end Istarted to enjoy it as I got more game time."
Delany is looking like a Super 14 level player, although his goalkicking success hadn't been at his previous high levels until recently.
"It's just small things, I get a bit lazy sometimes but I've been working on it more in the last week."
Things clicked last weekend against North Harbour, Delany drilling six from six and helping his side to a 38-31 victory which needs to be built on tonight in Whangarei.
"It's just all about being consistent and getting the practise in. I'm pretty confident for this week _ I've been hitting the ball well [in training]," Delany said.
It's expected to be a stern test in front of a big crowd with Northland promoting the game as ``Blue Friday _ Stop the Drop', a chance for local rugby fans to voice their disgust at New Zealand Rugby Union's decision to axe them from next year's competition.
"I'm looking forward to it," Delany said of the matchup.
"I hope there are a few [people] there, it brings the best out in the boys."
The Steamers should be very aware _ and wary _ of Northland.
They beat the Bay 12 months ago when Renee Ranger scored in injury time in Rotorua and historically Northland enjoy a 30 to 19 win advantage with just one of their 50 previous encounters drawn.
Delany said there was no chance they would take Northland lightly and the Bay were still looking for a heap of improvement.
"At the end of the day we've played a couple of sides that aren't regarded as top sides in the comp ... we haven't really played the bigger sides. There's a lot of work to do.
"It'll be a different story when we come up against the likes of Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland. It's a matter of being consistent, staying grounded and hopefully keep going."
Northland rugby captain Justin Collins has had deliciously simple message for his team heading into tonight's game.
The inspirational skipper has the perfect riposte to possible demotion and the prospect of a legal spat to save the union from getting the cut next year: "Mate, we have a game to play."
Northland coach Mark Anscombe has made three changes to the team that started last week, introducing Hamish Patterson at openside flank and Blair Urlich back in the No8jersey. Hooker Tyler Ashworth gets the nod in the front row ahead of Auckland import Francis Smith.
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