Bay names in training squad

Seven Bay of Plenty players have been named in the Chiefs' development team to play a Blues development team today.

Coached by former Steamers assistant coach Johnny Walters the side take on the Blues at North Harbour.

Walters said he was impressed with the squad he had chosen for the match.

"They have come in, worked very hard and shown the attitude required to succeed at this level.

"We are all really looking forward to playing the Blues development side in the weekend as it is a local derby. They had a big win against Crusaders development side."

Steamers halfback Josh Hall has been named a vice-captain for the match and he is joined by six other players with Bay of Plenty ties. Michael Kaianga, Keepa Mewett and Junior Tofa-Va'a have been named in the starting 15, while Pingi Tala'apitaga, Johan Bardoul and Marnus Hanley have been named in the reserves.

The side is led by Waikato's Mat vant Leven and kicks off at 2.30pm. The side will play two other matches -Tonga A at Te Kuiti on March 23 and Samoa A in Te Awamutu on March 28.

Walters said the games would help build depth within the Chiefs development ranks.

"The Chiefs development programme is an important step for young players to understand how to operate at a higher level.

"It is an ideal way for us to foster and identify talent within our region."

Squad: Solomona Sakalia, Suliasi Taufalele, Michael Kainga, Brian Alainu'uese, Keepa Mewett, Matt vant Leven (captain), Maama Viapulu, Rory Grice, Josh Hall, Thomas Bird, Junior Tofa-Va'a, Tyrone Lefau, Save Tokula, Maritino Nemani, Dillon Collier, Reserves; Hame Faiva, Loni Uhila, Pingi Tala'apitanga, Josh Olsen, Johan Bardoul, Ruan Du Ply, Joe Reynolds, Marnus Hanley.