New BOP sets out his stall - stay off the bottom

BAY OF PLENTY: 2001 - 10th

Bay of Plenty's new coach Vern Cotter is realistic about his side's chances this year.

If the Bay were to even threaten for a place in the semifinals, it clearly would be as big a surprise to him as anyone else in the country.

So if the Bay can manage another win to scramble clear of the danger of relegation or having to play off against the top second division union, that will be progress for Cotter.

"Last year we finished 10th of 11 teams, which meant with the competition being reduced to 10 for this year that we had to play off for our position (against Hawkes Bay)," Cotter said.

"I'd like to think that this year we can finish at least one position higher and perhaps even higher. To do that we are going to have to target some games and also be mindful of the importance of bonus points."

The teams the Bay may be regarding as targets are others likely to be towards the middle or bottom of the table such as Southland, who they will meet at home on September 21, Northland, Taranaki and possibly North Harbour.

They also have the advantage of meeting Canterbury at home in the second round and, while the Tri-Nations is over, Canterbury may not yet have restored all of their internationals.

Also in the Bay's sights may be Wellington, which is another home game, on October 6.

Wellington are notoriously inconsistent and in their return to the first division last year the Bay achieved an upset victory.

Though it came in the opening round that result proved to be crucial.

It meant the Bay were able finish a position higher than Counties-Manukau and avoid being automatically relegated to this season's second division.

The Bay will again be led by a couple of stalwarts, veteran lock Mark Weedon - whose first-class career started when he marked Andy Haden in 1986 - and the 91-match veteran Clayton McMillan.

The Chiefs Super 12 and NZ Maori first five-eighths Glen Jackson will be an influential figure for the Bay, and another local product is promising wing Charles Baxter who got three tries in the promotion-relegation win over Hawkes Bay.

But many Bay of Plenty players, such as Scott Robertson, Caleb Ralph, Craig Newby and Royce Willis are with other unions.

It is a sad indication of the Bay's remaining resources that they have to rely heavily in this years NPC on loan players and those who play their club rugby in other provinces.

In the backs, Nick Collins, Damian Karauna and Grant McQuoid all play for Waikato clubs, as do a couple of forwards in Dave Dillon and Mark Sorenson.

Two other backs, Sam Hala and Dale Rasmussen, are with Auckland's champion club, Ponsonby.

Once again, the Bay have gone across the Tasman to boost their ranks.

One of their props will be a 21-year-old 1.90m, 118kg giant, Guy Shepherdson, who has been with the Brumbies training squad.

Two accomplished loose forward loan players, Dallas Seymour and Johnny Leo'o, will not be back this year, but Canterbury have lent promising outside back Jason Tiatia, who has been also prominent in sevens and played NPC on loan to Southland last year.

GAIN

Jason Tiatia (loan player from Canterbury), Guy Shepherdson (a prop from the Brumbies), utility back Grant McQuoid from Waikato and Simms Davison, a prop who has played for Otago and the Highlanders development teams.

LOSSES

Lock Jason Chandler, wing Scott Barton, loose forwards Dallas Seymour and Johnny Leo'o (all loan players who have not returned), prop Francis Cameron (not selected) and midfield back Alan Bunting (injured).

STRENGTHS

A pack which may surprise many with its ability in the setpieces and, if sufficient ball can be won, an exciting backline with the likes of Chris Le Lievre, Glen Jackson, Nick Collins, Damian Karauna and McQuoid.

WEAKNESSES

Not one player in the squad has been an All Black, and many players have only limited Super 12 and NPC first division experience. If the team is hit with as many injuries as it was last year, the depth will be sorely stretched.

PROSPECTS

Realistically, not bright. It will be an achievement to avoid the danger of relegation and a middle table finish. But the Bay are capable of causing upsets and even if they are forced to play the relegation match again, last year's win over Hawkes Bay showed that there is a big advantage having played first division opposition all season.

BAY OF PLENTY SQUAD

Backs: Grant McQuoid, Paul Waiariki, Sam Hala, Charles Baxter, Jason Tiatia, Nick Collins, Dale Rasmussen, Tyrone Taiepa, Glen Jackson, Rameka Poihipi, Chris Le Lievre.

Forwards: Clayton McMillan, David Dillon, Paul Tupai, David Gorrie, Rodney Voullaire, Wayne Ormond, Mark Sorneson, David Duley, Mark Weedon, Greg Rawlinson, Guy Shepherdson, Taufaao Filise, Daniel Godbold, Simms Davison, Aleki Lutui, Tapsell Thompson.