Rugby: Steamers desperate to climb table

Nick McCashin of Bay of Plenty makes a break during the round five ITM Cup match between Counties Manukau and Bay of Plenty. Photo / Getty Images.

Bay of Plenty coach Kevin Schuler has rung the changes for his side's game against Auckland at Rotorua on Friday night as they seek to climb off the bottom of the ITM Cup Premiership ladder.

The Steamers have won only one of their four games so far and take on an Auckland side who have won three of their four.

Greg Pleasants-Tate returns to loosehead prop and Dan Goodwin is promoted from the bench to start at No 6. Skipper Tanerau Latimer will switch to right-sided flanker and Luke Braid will start at No 8.

In the backline, Phil Burleigh moves to first five-eighths, Nick McCashin will start at fullback, Kenny Lynn switches to centre and Jack Wilson will start on the left wing.

The match will be the third for Bay of Plenty in eight days.

The John Drake boot will also be up for grabs for the fourth time - Bay of Plenty have never won the prize in recognition of the former All Blacks prop who died in 2008.

Bay of Plenty side to play Auckland at the Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua, tomorrow (6.05pm): Nick McCashin, Lelia Masaga, Kenny Lynn, Mafi Kefu, Jack Wilson, Phil Burleigh, Josh Hall, Luke Braid, Tanerau Latimer (c), Dan Goodwin, Leon Power, Culum Retallick, Josh Hohneck, Dan Perrin, Greg Pleasants-Tate. Reserves: John Pareanga, Mike Kainga, Keepa Mewett, Jesse Acton, Lewis Hancock, Simon Rolleston, Lance MacDonald.