Rugby: Baptism of fire for new rugby squad

Chanelle Rata-Makene (with ball) put in hard yards for the Bay of Plenty Volcanix against Auckland in Rotorua on Saturday. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

Bay of Plenty Volcanix coach Pere Paul is happy with his team's progress despite losing their opening four matches in the Women's Provincial Championship.

The Bay women's team hosted undefeated side Auckland on Saturday at Rotorua International Stadium losing 45-5.

The Bay have played the top four teams in the country during the opening four rounds this season including Otago, Canterbury, Waikato and Auckland.

Paul said he was happy with his team's efforts in the opening rounds and they were improving each week.

"I am very happy with their progress four games in, they are competitive, they really can compete," he said.

"We ask the best of the girls and I can not take anything away from their attitude ... we have just got to build on our accuracy."

This is the first season since 2002 that the Bay of Plenty has fielded a team in the Women's Provincial Championship.

Paul said they competed well against Auckland on Saturday, who boasted a strong forward pack including former Black Fern captain Fiaoo Faamausili. Faamausili scored a hat-trick in the game.

Paul said they were turning their attention to Wellington this Saturday in Petone.

Wellington have also lost their opening four games this season which should make for a close match-up.

"The target is to go out there and put our signature on the game and come away with a win."

Bay of Plenty 5 (Morgan Morrow try)

Auckland 45 (Fiaoo Faamausili 3, Aleisha Nelson, Kelvery Longopoa, Emma Jensen, Leilani Perese, Ruahei Demant tries; Emma Jensen con, 3 pen).