Rugby: Full steam ahead as Wasps add sting

It won't be the score that's important, but the way they play, when the Steamers and Wasps take to the field today.

The Steamers play their second preseason match at Rotorua International Stadium against a Bay development squad disguised in Wasps jerseys.

In a similar senario to when the Steamers and Counties Manukau played the Chiefs in Rotorua in June - the two squads will use their entire roster.

Both sides will look to work on combinations and drills they will take into the 2012 ITM Cup season.

The match is the next step in Steamers coach Kevin Schuler's first season in the top job. The former Chiefs assistant coach and former All Black had an impressive debut with the team in Whakatane last week.

Going up against a fired up Hawkes Bay squad, the Steamers looked sharp winning 29-12.

In a bust-a-gut first 20 minutes, the Steamers showed they will be a potent attacking force in this year's ITM Cup. Former forward turned winger Jack Wilson brings back images of a young John Kirwan.

Their defence is equally impressive with hard tackling and good communication skills.

It's a gold coin donation at the gate and will be a great chance for Rotorua locals to see the team in action. Kickoff is at 2.30pm.

SQUADS

Bay of Plenty Steamers:

Jesse Acton (Rotoiti), Lance MacDonald, John Pareanga (Te Puna), Jason Hona (Rangataua), Tanerau Latimer (Rangiuru), Toby Arnold, Carl Axtens, Luke Braid, Phil Burleigh, Sam Cane, Josh Hall, Lewis Hancock, Josh Hohneck, Brett Mather, Keepa Mewett, Tristan Moran, Chris Noakes, Dan Perrin, Leon Power, Brodie Retallick, Culum Retallick, Ben Smith, Pingi Taalapitaga (Tauranga Sports), Mike Kainga, Kenny Lynn, Greg Pleasants Tate, Warren Smith (Mount Maunganui), Mafileo Kefu (Greerton Marist), Lelia Masaga, Nick McCashin, Jamie Nutbrown, Simon Rolleston, Jack Wilson (Te Puke Sports).

Bay of Plenty Development squad:

Dean Elmiger, Matt Henwood, Te Amo Wilbore (Opotiki), James McGougan, Maru Henry (Paroa), Gareth Cossey, Baden Wardlaw (Poroporo), Chris Miller, Tamiti Rhind, Doug Edwards, Rawiri Tapiata (Whakarewarewa), Kane Hames, Alan McRobbie, Rob McGregor, Dan O'Rourke, Nick Evemy, Jeremy Cave, Dwayne Burrows, Nick Thompson, Adam Robinson, Steve Honey (Tauranga Sports), Marty Stevenson, (Te Puna), Matt Clutterbuck, Adam McGarvey (Rangataua), Beau King, Nathan Harris, Mark Nicolaas, Luke Perrott, Ryan Lambert, Dan Devereaux, Ben Ward, Sipa Moi Moi (Te Puke Sports), Whetu Mohi (Rangiuru).