Bay of Plenty Steamers fans probably feel that they need to pinch themselves to make sure its real – second place in the Air New Zealand Cup, and a top of the table clash against Wellington at Westpac Stadium this Saturday (30 August 2008) afternoon.

Last Friday night the Steamers showed real resolve, when they resisted a Northland side that were desperate for victory. After grabbing a 15-10 advantage, the blue and gold brigade put together a number of superb defensive plays, in the last fifteen minutes of the encounter.

Steamers Manager Sean Horan said, “The strengths of the Steamers this season, are the players resolve to step up when it counts, and to take ownership of their own individual performances”. “The feeling within the team is of a very focused unit that are playing with a huge amount of confidence and self-belief”

While the Steamers know that this Saturdays match is their biggest challenge of the 2008 Air New Zealand Cup, they are facing the match with a quiet confidence. Horan said ‘the team success this year, has been built upon not worrying who they face, but to play to the best of their ability”.   Another indicator of the Steamers success is the Air New Zealand Cup statistics. Mike
Delany sits in fifth place on the point’s ladder - with 29 points courtesy of seven conversions and five penalty goals.

Two of the most dynamic Steamers players feature in the try scoring stakes. Number eight Colin Bourke, who seems to appear from nowhere to lead the try scoring attacks - sits equal top of the touchdown tally with four tries. Steamers fullback Zar Lawrence has been rewarded for his piercing runs into the back line with three touchdowns.

Wellington has a huge advantage in the twenty-seven matches played between the two unions since 1912. While the Bay have won just two of the encounters with two drawn – fresh in the memories from the heady days of 2004 is the Steamers 17-13 victory at Baypark Stadium.

Saturday 30 August 2008

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Wellington
Forwards: Joe Savage, John Pareanga, James McGougan, Culum Rettalick, John Moore, Solomon King, Tanerau Latimer (captain), Colin Bourke.
Backs: Jamie Nutbrown (v/captain) Mike Delany, Toby Arnold, Nigel Hunt, Cory Aporo, Lance MacDonald, Zar Lawrence.
Bench: Dean Elmiger, Arden David-Perrot, Aiden Kuka, Luke Braid, Kelly Haimona, Paula Asaeli, Teu Nafe.

BOP Steamers Management:
Head Coach - Kevin Schuler 
Assistant Coach - Steve Milne
Manager – Sean Horan
Trainer – Murray Pederson,
Physio – Paul Cameron 
Doctor – Morne Du Plessis
Video Analysis – Chris Lapage.