Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan has named a strong side to face Taranaki at the Tauranga Domain this Saturday.
The side features eight new caps to kick off the Mitre 10 Cup campaign including New Zealand Sevens Squad and former Rotorua Boys' High School member Isaac Te Aute, Scottish international Hugh Blake, former New Zealand U20's representatives James O'Reilly and Henry Stowers, and Chiefs squad member Monty Ionae.
O'Reilly will be joined by Solomona Sakalia and Siegfried Fisi'ihoi in the front row. Locking duo Shahn Eru and captain Culum Retallick will make up the tight five.
Debutant Hugh Blake will be joined by experienced campaigner Joe Tupe to complete the forward pack.
The explosive backline will see Te Aihe Toma and Dan Hollinshead combining at nine and ten. Terrence Hepetema and centre Lalakai Foketi will complete the midfield.
Te Aute and Ioane will take their place on their respective left and right wings. Chase Tiatia will complete a talented backline taking his place at fullback.
"Taranaki have been amongst the frontrunners in recent seasons, and their pre season form would indicate they will again be formidable opposition," said McMillan.
"We have a lot of respect for their coaching team and know they will come prepared. We are equally happy with our preparation which I think has been a level above last season. The players have bonded well, put in the yards, and are highly motivated to perform. Saturday will be a great opportunity to try and showcase that."
Bay of Plenty Steamers side to play Taranaki at the Tauranga Domain kick off 2.35pm:
1. Solomona Sakalia
2. James O'Reilly*
3. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi
4. Shahn Eru
5. Culum Retallick
6. Henry Stowers*
7. Hugh Blake*
8. Joe Tupe
9. Te Aihe Toma
10. Dan Hollinshead
11. Isaac Te Aute*
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Lalakai Foketi
14. Monty Ioane*
15. Chase Tiatia
Reserves:
16. Liam Polwart*
17. Aidan Ross
18. Pingi Tala'apitaga
19. Keepa Mewett
20. Jesse Parete*
21. Luke Campbell*
22. Kelly Haimona
23. Te Rangi Fraser
