posted by BOP Rugby - 29/07/2010
Media Release 29 July 2010
The Bay of Plenty Steamers, couldn’t have been handed a much bigger challenge to the start of the ITM Cup campaign, than their first up assignment against Waikato on Saturday (31 July 2010) evening.
In the days before the National Provincial Championship was established in 1976, the biggest game of the season, was always the battle against the team from the other side of the Kaimai ranges.
Bay of Plenty Steamers Head Coach Sean Horan, has selected a team that contains plenty of previous Steamers experience, blended with several new recruits to the Blue and Gold uniform.
Captain Colin Bourke, who is amongst the best back rowers in the country, leads the current Steamers caps tally having turned out for his province on 68 occasions.
The front row of Joe Savage, John Pareanga and Josh Hohneck who have been to battle in the Steamers colours number on 77 occasions, provide a strong and tough front three that Waikato will find hard to get the better off.
There are high expectations for first five Dan Waenga, who is filling the boots of All Black Mike Delaney. While Delany is expected to return to the Steamers unit in a few weeks, Waenga who is making his ITM Cup debut in Steamers colours, impressed in the Bay of Plenty teams pre-season hit outs.
Other Steamers to start, in their ITM Cup debuts in the Blue and Gold uniforms, are Luke Andrews, Taniela Moa and Brett Mather – with Chad Tuoro and Lelia Masaga likely to come off the bench during the game.
Bay of Plenty Steamers v Waikato 31 July 2010 @ Waikato Stadium - kick-off 6.35pm
1 Joe Savage 2 John Pareanga 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Luke Andrews 5 Culum Retallick 6 Luke Braid 7 Tanerau Latimer 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Taniela Moa, 10 Dan Waenga 11 Jason Hona 12 Grant McQuoid 13 Brett Mather 14 Lance MacDonald 15 Toby Arnold.
Reserves: Simon Chisholm, James McGougan, Aiden Kuka, Solomon King/Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Phil Burleigh, Lelia Masaga,
Head Coach: Sean Horan Assistant Coach: Steve Miln
Manager: Ross Everiss Physio: Paul Cameron
Strength & Conditioning Coach: Murray Pedersen
Asst Strength & Condition Coach: Abby Galenzoski
Analysis and Defence Coach: Paul Feeney
For Further Information Contact
Ross Everiss Bay of Plenty Steamers Manager
0274 487 013
