The Bay of Plenty Steamers will face Waikato in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC Quarter Finals this Sunday at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.  

Both sides will go into the bout with a level of familiarity, having played each other just last week for the final game of the round-robin. Bay of Plenty started strong but could not hold off a Waikato come-from-behind charge, who ended up 35-34 victors. 

Head Coach Mike Delany says both sides will have withheld tactics to ensure the element of surprise leading into the weekend. 

"Although we played each other just last week, it will be a completely different game this weekend," says Delany. 

"Playoff footy is on a completely different level to the regular season, and teams will be pulling out all the stops. This weekend is step one in putting together the culmination of all our hard work throughout the year." 

The Steamers will unleash their full-strength side with the hope of reaching their first semi-final since 2020. Notable changes include Emoni Narawa who will play at 15, with Leroy Carter drawing a start on the right wing. The All Black 7's star was unstoppable last weekend, scoring two tries and slicing up the Waikato defence. 

For those who are planning to drive over the Kamai's and catch the action, tickets can be purchased online here. The match will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 with coverage starting from 2pm. 

Bay of Plenty Steamers Quarter Final Team vs Waikato  
1. Aidan Ross 
2. Kurt Eklund (C) 
3. Tevita Mafileo  
4. Justin Sangster 
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit 
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi 
7. Jacob Norris  
8. Nikora Broughton  
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi 
10. Kaleb Trask 
11. Nigel Ah Wong 
12. Inga Finau 
13. Joey Walton 
14. Leroy Carter 
15. Emoni Narawa 

16. Anaru Rangi 
17. Haereiti Hetet 
18. Jeff Thwaites 
19. Veveni Lasaqa 
20. Zane Kapeli  
21. Wharenui Hawera 
22. Lalomilo Lalomilo 
23. Taylor Haugh 

Unavailable due to injury: 
Melani Nanai  
Kitiona Vai  
Jamie Dobie  
Penitoa Finau 
Gillies Kaka 
Lucas Cashmore 

All Black 7's:  
Roderick Solo  

All Blacks:   
Sam Cane  

Game Day Details  
Bay of Plenty Steamers vs Waikato  
Sunday, 9th October, 2.05pm  
FMG Stadium, Hamilton  
LIVE on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051)  

Article added: Saturday 08 October 2022