Steamers desperate for win
Nothing but a victory over Tasman at Trafalgar Park in Nelson tomorrow night will do for Bay of Plenty as they fight for their place in the ITM Premiership.
The Steamers are just two points ahead of Waikato and Hawke's Bay, but have played an extra game than both their rivals in the scrap to avoid relegation and the prospect of playing Southland and North Harbour next season.
Steamers coach Kevin Schuler knows just how crucial victory is for his team.
"This is sort of our grand final and we have to nail this one to keep us where we want to be, don't we," Schuler said. "We just have to play good rugby and we have gone down there and won before. We know they love to play a lot of rugby and will attack us for 80 minutes and sometimes that can work for them and sometimes it can be to their detriment. But it is more about us. We are at the end of our short three games turnaround so we have to make sure physically the boys are ready to go again.
Injuries have meant changes to the Steamers team from that which defeated Northland 31-19 at Baypark Stadium on Sunday. Burleigh is out with that head knock, and Luke Braid has a sore toe so also misses the Tasman game, which opens up opportunities to lesser experienced players who deserve their chances.
Rotoiti captain Jesse Acton will start at blindside flanker, Rangataua lock Matt Clutterbuck will make his debut from the bench and Nick McCashin switches to fullback. Halfback Jamie Nutbrown is on the bench after a long injury layoff.
Schuler is well aware of the statistical advantage his side has had in nearly every game this year and he wants that to continue against Tasman.
"From a set piece perspective, our lineout was right at the top of the comp until Wellington overtook us last week, and our scrum has been fine and provided us with a platform to launch from. We have created opportunities and I suppose it will come down to the detail around why we couldn't make better use of it.
"But this Tasman game is all about getting down there and putting it in the bag and keep our hopes alive."
Kickoff is at 7.35pm.
Bay of Plenty team:
1 Greg Pleasants Tate 2 John Pareanga 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Dan Goodwin 5 Leon Power 6 Jesse Acton 7 Tanerau Latimer (captain) 8 Carl Axtens 9 Lewis Hancock 10 Chris Noakes 11 Lance Macdonald 12 Mafi Kefu 13 Kenny Lynn 14 Lelia Masaga 15 Nick McCashin.
Reserves: 16 Nathan Harris, 17 Mike Kainga, 18 Keepa Mewett, 19 Matt Clutterbuck, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Simon Rolleston, 22 Jack Wilson
