Rugby: Bay true to winning formula
Bay of Plenty coach Kevin Schuler has looked to keep most of the team who won against Otago for their important clash against Counties tonight.
The Steamers have only made three changes to the starting lineup who beat Otago 31-19 in Rotorua last week.
Regular captain Jamie Nutbrown is out with a shoulder injury giving Lewis Hancock his first run-on start. Tanerau Latimer has taken over the captaincy role.
Keepa Mewett gets a start at lock ahead of Leon Power and pairs with man mountain Culum Retallick. Luke Braid moves to the openside with Carl Axtens taking the No8 spot. The change sees Rotoiti captain Jesse Acton rewarded for his impressive club season as well as his performances in the Steamers pre-season hit-outs with a place on the bench.
Schuler has rewarded his front row of Tristan Moran, Dan Perrin and Mike Kainga for their colossal effort against Otago and has moved hard-working prop Josh Hohneck to the bench ahead of Greg Plesant-Tait.
Although the backline looked dangerous against Otago it was the forwards who shared the tries around, something the likes of Lelia Masaga, Jack Wilson and Kenny Lynn will be keen to rectify.
However, they will have to get past an impressive start from premiership leaders Counties/Manukau Steelers who were too strong for North Harbour at home beating the northerners 27-15.
The Steamers will be looking to their midfield pairing of Phil Burleigh and Mafi Kefu to shore up any defensive lapses out wide - the Steelers have been dangerous with any half gaps this season.
Steamers first-five Nick McCashin had a solid game both with the boot and leading his team around the field.
However, he will have to avoid kicking too much ball back to the ever-dangerous Tim Nanai-Williams. It only takes one busting run to give the Steelers a sniff of victory which they have gleefully accepted every chance they have been presented with it.
Although the Steelers will go into the match as favourites, the Steamers showed last season with a 20-13 win, they are comfortable taking on the home side at Pukekohe.
The Steamers are fit and well-rested compared with Counties who are backing up from the North Harbour match three nights ago.
Kickoff for the game is at 8.05pm.
Bay of Plenty: Tristan Moran, Dan Perrin, Mike Kainga, Culum Retallick, Keepa Mewett, Tanerau Latimer (c), Luke Braid, Carl Axtens, Lewis Hancock, Nick McCashin, Jack Wilson, Phil Burleigh, Mafi Kefu, Lelia Masaga , Kenny Lynn, Reserves: Nathan Harris, Josh Hohneck, Dan Goodwin, Jesse Acton, Josh Hall, Simon Rolleston, Lance MacDonald.
