The Steamers are back at home this Sunday for a clash against Southland in Round 7 of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC. 

Last week’s performance vs North Harbour was simply sensational as the Steamers piled on 48 points for a bonus point win on Harbour’s home turf. The Bay forward pack was imposing, dominating their set-piece inside the Harbour 22 with slick lineout moves and rolling mauls. Kurt Eklund reaped the rewards with a hat-trick, while Naitoa Ah Kuoi scored two tries. 

“We were really impressed with the way we played against Harbour. Our forwards were dominant and worked hard,” says Head Coach Mike Delany. 

“It’s never really been a happy hunting ground for us up in Albany, so to put in a good performance and score some good tries against a pretty powerful and attacking team was promising to see.” 

The Steamers will look to make it three wins on the trot at the Tauranga Domain vs a struggling but dangerous Southland side. Despite losing all seven of their games this season, Southland has still managed to put the squeeze on numerous defences, reflected in their 170 points scored this season which sits only 26 points behind Bay of Plenty. 

“It’s important that we don’t get complacent,” says Delany. 

“We know they can score points, and they’re a dangerous and unpredictable side. We need to get out there and play our game - they’ll tip somebody up at some point. We saw Waikato struggle against them early on this week before running away with the game, so we have to make sure we start well.”  

Notable mentions to the playing squad include a blazer game for lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit. Manaaki joined the Steamers in 2021, and Sunday will mark his 15th game for the blue and gold. 

Fresh players also get the nod in starting positions with the chance to put their hands up and impress. Lucas Cashmore will start the game at 10 while fellow young-gun Kohan Herbert starts at 7.  

“We are rewarding some boys this week for their hard work throughout the season and giving other players a chance to impress. These boys deserve their shot, and it also creates some good inter-team pressure for positions,” says Delany. 

Bay of Plenty remains in 4th position on the Odds Conference with a comfortable 5-point cushion over fifth placed Otago. 

Gates open from 11.00am with the Bay of Plenty Under 18 Girls vs Thames Valley Under 18 Girls as the curtain raiser match at 12.00pm. For supporters who purchase an Adult ticket online, they can get a Child ticket for free with tickets available to purchase online here.  

Bay of Plenty Steamers Round 7 Team vs Southland  
1. Aidan Ross 
2. Kurt Eklund (C) 
3. Tevita Mafileo 
4. Justin Sangster 
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit* 
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 
7. Kohan Herbert 
8. Zane Kapeli 
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Lucas Cashmore
11. Nigel Ah Wong 
12. Inga Finau  
13. Lalomilo Lalomilo 
14. Emoni Narawa 
15. Gillies Kaka 

16. Anaru Rangi 
17. Haereiti Hetet 
18. Jeff Thwaites 
19. Veveni Lasaqa  
20. Nikora Broughton  
21. Luke Donaldson  
22. Wharenui Hawera 
23. Joey Walton 
*Blazer Game (15th game) 

Unavailable due to Injury: 
Melani Nanai     
Kitiona Vai   
Jamie Dobie  

All Black 7's:     
Leroy Carter     
Roderick Solo      

All Blacks:     
Sam Cane    

Game Day Details  
Bay of Plenty Steamers vs Southland,  
Sunday 18th September, 2.05pm kick off 
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga 
LIVE on Sky Sport 2 (channel 052)

Article added: Friday 16 September 2022