The last time the Steamers won on Eden Park against Auckland, it was to lift the Ranfurly Shield for the first and only time in the province's history. This Sunday, another piece of silverware is up for grabs, The John Drake Memorial Trophy, and a chance to score a famous win.  

The Steamers will be confident after last week's impressive 46-6 performance over Taranaki. Head Coach Mike Delany says the effort came down to efficiency in their systems and good discipline across the park.  

"We are pretty happy with coming away with 5 points. We got our game going a bit earlier, and less unforced errors and penalties put us in a pretty good place. The likes of Kaleb Trask helped drive us around the park well. 

"We've had a really good week of preparation, after one win we can’t get too comfortable, so it’s going to be a good test of where the team is at,” says Delany. 

"I think everyone played their part. It was a real team performance. Our forwards put a massive platform up that enabled our backs to get going and get some space. It was awesome to see the likes of Emoni Narawa, Joey Walton and our back three with freedom on those edges."  

Notable changes to the starting XV this Sunday include All Black Aidan Ross returning to the side to form a formidable front row with Captain Kurt Eklund and Tevita Mafileo. Scottish national Jamie Dobie, who made his debut against Taranaki, will also move into the starting line-up for his first start of the season.   

"There's been an edge to the boys at training. It's been a while since we’ve left Eden Park with a win, we've done everything we can this week to ensure we put a performance up that we can be proud of. The boys are excited and for the chance to play for the John Drake Memorial Trophy.  

The John Drake Memorial Trophy is a cup up for grabs, played between Auckland and the Bay of Plenty. John Drake was an Auckland provincial legend who played eight games for the All Blacks. After retiring from rugby, John quickly rose the media ranks as a columnist and tv personality. John passed away while living in Mount Maunganui, where he was a much-loved and well-known local community member.  

When asked about the famous game of 04 being the last time the Steamers bet Auckland at Eden Park, Delany said the opportunity to create a bit of history excited the team.  

"Aidan Ross touched upon it [2004 Ranfurly Shield match] with the boys at the start of the week, how long it had been. There's a real opportunity with the group that we've got to get the job done. There's real confidence in the group, but we know how hard the challenge will be. We are excited to get out on Eden Park." 

Steamers Round 3 team vs Auckland 
1. Aidan Ross 
2. Kurt Eklund 
3. Tevita Mafileo  
4. Justin Sangster 
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit 
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 
7. Jacob Norris  
8. Zane Kapeli 
9. Jamie Dobie 
10. Kaleb Trask 
11. Nigel Ah Wong 
12. Inga Finau 
13. Joey Walton 
14. Emoni Narawa 
15. Gillies Kaka 

16. Anaru Rangi 
17. Haereiti Hetet 
18. Pasilio Tosi 
19. Nikora Broughton  
20. Penitoa Finau  
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 
22. Wharenui Hawera 
23. Taylor Haugh 

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

All Black 7's:  
Leroy Carter  
Roderick Solo  

All Blacks:  
Sam Cane 

Match Details  
Auckland vs Bay of Plenty 
Sunday, 21 August 2.05pm 
Eden Park, Auckland 
Live on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051) 

Article added: Friday 19 August 2022