Excitement is in the air as the Steamers prepare for their first of five home games for the season this Sunday 14 August versus Taranaki at the Tauranga Domain. 

With a 2021 season hampered by COVID19 Traffic-Light restrictions, BOPRU CEO Mike Rogers says that having full crowds back at home games is a much-missed privilege. 

"Last year was tough for everybody, so to have full capacity crowds back to the Tauranga Domain is going to be pretty special," says Rogers. 

Despite losing their opening game of the season, the Steamers can walk away from their match verse Wellington with numerous positives heading into Round 2. 

They were able to score four impressive tries and narrowly lost by two points, securing them two points on the Bunnings NPC table. 

"Once we got settled into the game and got our game going, we looked good. Important we keep that going for 80 minutes," says Head Coach Mike Delany. 

"We were impressed by the boys’ character and ability to get out from under pressure from Wellington early." 

Selection changes to the team to face Taranaki include former All Black 7s star Gillies Kaka making his starting debut at Fullback. Nikora Broughton and Penitoa Finau return to the team after injury absences while Scottish national Jamie Dobie makes a much-anticipated debut at halfback. 

"The squad can't wait to play in front of friends, family, and the community this Sunday against a quality opposition in Taranaki," says Delany. 

"We are proud of our group and the steps they have taken so far this season. Bring on the weekend." 

Silverware will be up for grabs this weekend as both teams will be playing for two trophies, including the Peter Burke Memorial trophy and the Chiefs Country Cup, both of which Taranaki currently hold. 

Peter Standish Burke (1927-2017) was a former All Black player and coach and an immortal of New Zealand rugby. Burke played for both the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki and has strong ties to both provinces. 

The Chiefs Country Cup is a trophy that’s battled between the Chiefs region teams including Taranaki, Waikato, Counties Manukau and the Bay of Plenty.  

Gates open at 11.00am for the Double Header at the Domain with the Volcanix vs Counties Manukau FPC game at 11.35am before the Steamers v Taranaki game kicks off at 2.05pm.

Steamers Round 2 team vs Taranaki Bulls 
1. Haereiti Hetet 
2. Kurt Eklund (C)  
3. Tevita Mafileo  
4. Justin Sangster  
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit  
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 
7. Jacob Norris 
8. Zane Kapeli  
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi  
10. Kaleb Trask  
11. Nigel Ah Wong 
12. Inga Finau (VC)
13. Joey Walton 
14. Emoni Narawa  
15. Gillies Kaka 

16. Anaru Rangi 
17. Josh Bartlett  
18. Pasilio Tosi  
19. Nikora Broughton 
20. Penitoa Finau 
21. Jamie Dobie* 
22. Wharenui Hawera 
23. Taylor Haugh 

*Steamers Debut    

Not available due to injury:  
Jeff Thwaites 
Melani Nanai 
Kitiona Vai 
Lalomilo Lalomilo 

All Black 7's: 
Leroy Carter 
Roderick Solo 

All Blacks: 
Aidan Ross 
Sam Cane 

Match details  
Bay of Plenty Double Header 
Sunday 14th August,  
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga 
Gates Open at 11.00am 
Volcanix v Counties Manukau, 11.35am 
Steamers vs Taranaki, 2.05pm 
Games Live on Sky Sport 1 

Article added: Friday 12 August 2022