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Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan has named a strong experienced side for tomorrow's first pre-season game against Northland at Whakatane's Rugby Park.
The side features eight new caps including Scottish International Hugh Blake and New Zealand Sevens Squad member Isaac Te Aute.
Jeff Thwaites, Sabastian Siataga and
Aidan Ross will pack down the front of the scrum.
Locking duo Troy Callander and Shahn Eru will make up the tight five. Debutants Jesse Parete and Hugh Blake will be joined by experienced campaigner Joe Tupe to complete the forward pack.
The explosive backline will see the introduction of a new nine ten combination, with Luke Campbell debuting at half back.
Hollinshead will lead the team at fly half with Terrence Hepetema and local Whakatane centre Elijah Nicholas completing the midfield.
Lalakai Foketi and Isaac Te Aute will take their place on their respective left and right wings. Whakarewarewa fullback Te Rangi Fraser will complete a talented backline.
The Whakatane public will be treated to a great display of Secondary School Girls' rugby with Te Whare Kura O Ruatoki taking on Opotiki College in the curtain raiser match at 1pm ahead of the feature match at 3pm.
Following tomorrow's match, the team will play their final pre-season fixture against Auckland on Friday 12th August in Auckland. The Steamers Mitre 10 Cup season will kick off at 2.35pm on Saturday 20 August at Tauranga Domain, Tauranga.
Tickets are available online for all Steamers Mitre 10 Cup home games at www.boprugby.co.nz or www.ticketmaster.co.nz. Alternatively tickets can be purchased from the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union offices or any ticketmaster outlet for all home games.
Steamers Team:
1. Jeff Thwaites
2. Sabastian Siataga
3. Aidan Ross
4. Troy Callander
5. Shahn Eru
6. Jesse Parete
7. Hugh Blake
8. Joe Tupe
9. Luke Campbell
10. Dan Hollinshead
11. Lalakai Foketi
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Elijah Nicholas
14. Isaac Te Aute
15. Te Rangi Fraser
Reserves:
16. Leigh Hughes
17. Pingi Tala'apitaga
18. Solomona Sakalia
19. Keepa Mewett
20. Ruki Tipuna
21. Matty Axtens
22. Henry Stowers
23. Kelly Haimona
24. Brad Armstrong
25. Chase Tiatia
Steamers Management:
Head Coach: Clayton McMillan
Assistant Coach: Rodney Gibbs
Assistant Coach: David Hill
Manager: Wayne Brill
Strength and Conditioning Trainer: Brad Mayo
Physiotherapist: Damian Banks
Assistant Physiotherapist: Corey Stunell
Doctor: Turuki Tahuri
Video Analyst: Mark Roberts
Ticketing:
Pre-Season:
Children Under 5: Free
Children Under 14: $5
Adults: $10
Mitre 10 Cup:
Children Under 14: $5
Adults $20
*Note: Additional Booking fees apply for all ticket purchases.
Tickets available for purchase at:
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union
52 Miro Street
Mount Maunganui
Sir Howard Morrison Rotorua Convention Centre
1170 Fenton St
Rotorua