ITM Cup: Steamers select exciting XV for encounter with Auckland

Bay of Plenty players Kendrick Lynn, left, Brett Mather, and Willie Ripia close down a Hawke's Bay attack last Sunday. Photo / Andrew Warner

The Steamers have named a strong side to take on Auckland in round three of the ITM Cup at Eden Park, boosted by the return of All Black Sam Cane.

Up for grabs are crucial competition points and the John Drake Boot - in memory of the former All Blacks prop - which the Steamers hold after last year's outstanding 37-16 win over Auckland in Rotorua.

Flanker Cane, from Reporoa, has been released by the All Blacks selectors and will form a potent loose forwards trio with his old school mate Carl Axtens at No8 and Queensland Reds flyer Beau Robinson.

Head coach Kevin Schuler said they were not expecting Cane to play this season so it was a real bonus to have him in the team for tomorrow's match, which kicks off at 2.35pm.

"It is great to get him back in the fold even if it's only for a short time," Schuler said.

"Sam has been working hard on getting up to speed with our lineout calls and the boys are excited about playing alongside an All Black."

The downside from the win over Hawke's Bay last week was the citing of lock Culum Retallick for an apparent lifting tackle and subsequent two week ban.

Schuler and the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union have taken the decision on the chin and moved on.

"I certainly have my views. It was far more of a drive through than a lifting tackle but that is what the judiciary is there for and we just have to move on, really," Schuler said.

"Culum has never had any issues in the past so it is just unfortunate but it gives Johan [Bardoul] a chance."