ITM Cup: Bay get positive after loss

Steamers hooker Nathan Harris (with ball) is getting back to the form that made him an All Black last year. Photo / Andrew Warner

The Steamers players had two options after the controversial loss to Hawke's Bay in Saturday's Ranfurly Shield challenge.

They could bemoan their bad luck and how key refereeing decisions cost them the game, or put it down to experience and learn from what they could have done better.

Hooker Nathan Harris said they have taken the latter option this week in preparation for tonight's ITM Cup Championship clash with winless Northland in Whangarei.

"It was pretty tough and is one of those things you look back on and wonder what if I did that differently or what if I ran an extra 10 metres. It is just those little things, I guess, create a big part of a game like that," Harris said.

"It would be pretty easy to look back and go 'we were robbed' but what could have we personally have done better? That gives a sense of more ownership from player to player, rather than worry about the bounce of the ball because that is an uncontrollable.

"Obviously when we are out there you can only control the controllable, so it is more about worrying about what we can do, rather than worrying about the ball or the referee or the conditions or the crowd."

The Steamers are well aware of the threat the Northland Taniwha pose tonight, as they are desperate to get their first win, while the Steamers need the points to keep third place on the Championship table.

"They are a pretty dangerous beast, even more so at home," Harris said. "They have a good fan base up there and I know what it is like to not win a game for quite a long time. You do anything you can to upset the opposition and ruin their night."

Harris is back after a long break following a serious ankle injury incurred playing for the All Blacks against the USA last November.

He said his form had been up and down so far after such a long time away from the game.

"I am sort of playing catch-up. I have been trying to do a lot of work outside the training field just to catch up that little bit faster. It's been tough but it's been awesome to get back with a cool bunch of guys willing to help me with every step of the way."

•Bay of Plenty v Northland, Toll Stadium, tonight 7.35pm.

•The Bay of Plenty Volcanix women's team take on Auckland tomorrow at Mt Wellington War Memorial ground at 2.45pm.