Rugby: Steamers team named to play Taranaki in Rotorua

Steamers player Te Aihe Toma. Photo/File

The Bay of Plenty Steamers will look to get their tails up tomorrow in Rotorua after a promising start to the ITM Cup.

The Steamers have recorded their best start to an ITM Cup season in recent years - with three wins from their opening five matches - and will face defending ITM Cup champions Taranaki tomorrow at 5.35pm at the Rotorua International Stadium.

The Steamers have a lot to play for during the encounter as they chase valuable competition points in the ITM Cup Championship. They are also looking to build some form ahead of their Ranfurly Shield challenge next weekend in Hawke's Bay.

Bay coach Clayton McMillan was forced to make a couple of changes to the starting side ahead of tomorrow's clash but was confident in his side's depth.

"A high injury toll is stretching our resources, but the positives are that we have a lot of faith in our squad, and the less experienced players get another taste at this level and an opportunity to cement a position for themselves moving forward," he said.

"The team showcased their potential last week in a good win against Counties Manukau. But we understand there needs to be continual improvement and consistency of performance in order to compete with the likes of Taranaki who we encounter tomorrow."

McMillan is originally from Rotorua and will enjoy a home coming of sorts tomorrow, during his first ITM Cup match in Rotorua in charge of the Bay team.

"This day will no doubt be a highlight for me and I know the Rotorua community will come out in force to support the boys as they take on the current [ITM Cup] Premiership champions."

The teams will not only be playing for competition points but also the Peter Burke Trophy.
The pre-match curtain raisers feature a match between the All Blacks Sevens team and Australian Sevens side, as part of their unofficial series in Rotorua.

At half-time in the main game, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union will acknowledge the achievement and recent success of the Rotorua Boys' High School 1st XV and their new national title.

Tickets are available for purchase from i-Site Rotorua until 4pm tomorrow. Tickets will also be available for purchase from the gate. Gates will open at 12.30pm.

Match details:
What: Bay of Plenty Steamers v Taranaki
Where: Rotorua International Stadium, 5.35pm tomorrow
How much: Adults $20, children (5-14 years) $5, under-5s free

Team lists:
BOP Steamers: 1. Solomona Sakalia, 2. Nathan Harris, 3. Pingi Tala'apitaga, 4. Keepa Mewett, 5. Culum Retallick (c), 6. Shahn Eru, 7. Zak Hohneck, 8. Joe Tupe, 9. Te Aihe Toma, 10. Dan Hollinshead, 11. Chase Tiatia, 12. Caleb Hall, 13. Lalakai Foketi, 14. Whaimotu Craft-Chemis, 15. Te Rangi Fraser. Reserves: 16. Joseph Royal, 17. Siegfried Fisiihoi. 18. Mike Kainga, 19. Troy Callander, 20. Sabastian Siataga, 21. Jono Kitto, 22. Nick Evemy, 23. Leroy van Dam.
Taranaki Bulls: 1. Mitchell Graham, 2. Rhys Marshall, 3. Angus Ta'avao, 4. Riki Hoeata, 5. Blade Thomson, 6. Mitchell Crosswell, 7. Berny Hall, 8. Toa Halafihi, 9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, 10. Codey Rei, 11. Latu Vaeno, 12. Charlie Ngatai (c), 13. Seta Tamanivalu, 14. Jackson Ormond, 15. Kurt Baker. Reserves: 16. Hika Elliot, 17. Sione Lea, 18. Ryan Cocker, 19. Mitchell Brown, 20. Liam McBride, 21. Jackson Ormond, 22. Sean Wainui.