Canterbury pour firepower on Steamers | Bay of Plenty Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Bay of Plenty

They're about to face the big guns, so Bay of Plenty have brought in a few reinforcements of their own.

Canterbury's ranks have been boosted ahead of tomorrow night's ITM Cup rugby match in Christchurch, with All Blacks prop Owen Franks and lock Sam Whitelock named to start.

They've also got league convert Sonny Bill Williams lurking in the reserves, ready for his long-awaited provincial rugby debut.

Steamers coach Sean Horan can't compete with that sort of firepower but he has been able to introduce Tasman signings Dan Perrin and Tristan Moran for the first time.

Perrin's availability after a lengthy back injury is especially handy, with normal starting hooker John Pareanga struggling with a knee injury.

Backup Simon Chisholm remains on the bench, alongside Moran who will provide cover at prop.

The versatile Ben Smith starts on the left wing, with Jason Hona brought onto the bench, along with lock Luke Katene who is in line for a debut appearance.

It's doubtful anyone on the park tomorrow will attract as much attention as Williams, however, who has battled injury since arriving in Christchurch to begin his stated pursuit of an All Blacks jersey.

Williams has overcome knee and hamstring complaints and last Saturday completed 40 minutes of game time without complaint for a Christchurch club combination.

The starting Canterbury midfield comprises Super rugby duo Robbie Fruean at centre and Ryan Crotty at second five-eighth so it remains to be seen how much time, if any, Williams gets off the reserve bench.

Other changes from the team who beat Auckland 35-16 in impressive style last weekend see Franks introduced at tighthead for Peter Borlase and Whitelock replace Luke Romano at lock.

Stephen Brett makes his first start at first-five for the season after Colin Slade was called into the All Blacks squad for the Tri Nations test against Australia in Sydney next week.

BAY OF PLENTY: Toby Arnold, Lelia Masaga, Brett Mather, Phil Burleigh, Ben Smith, Mike Delany, Taniela Moa, Colin Bourke (capt), Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid, Culum Retallick, Luke Andrews, James McGougan, Dan Perrin, Josh Hohneck. Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Tristan Moran, Luke Katene, Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Dan Waenga, Jason Hona.

CANTERBURY: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Steve Fualau, Peter Borlase, Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Sam Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams.