In their first of two pre-season matches, Bay of Plenty Steamers took on Auckland in Whakatane yesterday afternoon.

Head coach Clayton McMillan's focus for the match was directed at achieving small team goals, and to see some individual and collective intent.

Steamers Nick Evemy leading the attack. Photo: Rick Moran.

The side held a mixture of youth and experience featuring twelve new caps, but also All Black Sam Cane who had been released to play prior to his anticipated return to All Black duty.

The curtain raiser between Whakatane High School and Trident High School provided the perfect build up for the Steamers versus Auckland fixture.

Both Secondary School teams were eager to get points on the board, but with neither team letting up it provided a competitive game for spectators.

Whakatane High School led Trident High School 10 – 5 at halftime, however, Trident's solid defence left Whakatane High School scoreless in the second half.

Trident High School broke Whakatane High School's defensive line to score a converted try to take the lead and deny Whakatane High School of the win, Trident High School winning 12 – 10.

There was no shortage of support for the Steamers, and their support was rewarded when Steamer Shahn Eru crossed the line on debut just two minutes in and was successfully converted by first five Nick Evemy.

Auckland responded quickly with Jono Hickey scoring on debut and successfully converted off the boot of Calvary Fonoti.

The intent from both teams was clear from the start; to encourage a fast paced attacking game.

The Steamers were eager to take the lead, increasing pressure on attack, leading to an Auckland penalty, Evemy successfully converting out in front to place the Steamers in the lead (10 – 7).

Auckland settled into their attack, with effective movement of ball following a five meter scrum saw Ben Lam go in for an unconverted try to take the lead into half time (12 – 10).

The second half like the first saw the Steamers open the scoring with an impressive break from Evemy.

Evemy successfully converting his own try to put the Steamers in front early in the second half. Auckland were prompt to respond with a try from debutant Rieko Ioane, to regain a 19 – 17 lead.

A Fonoti penalty and another try from Lam saw Auckland extend themselves to a 27 – 17 lead. A combination of patient's on attack, fresh legs and quick recycling of the ball allowed Eru Wano-Smith to break the line, to draw the score to within five (27 – 22).

Another successful penalty for Auckland's Fonoti, followed by a runaway try for Loane allowed Auckland to extend their lead to 37 – 22.

Steamers were to have the final word, Dan Hollinshead successfully converting debutant Seb Siataga's try on full time.

Auckland proving too strong, securing a 37 – 29 win.

Despite the loss, the team have come away with no major injuries, just the usual bumps and bruises.

A number of players had strong games including but not limited to Nick Evemy, Shahn Eru and Chase Tiatia.

The team will leave for another training camp in Whangamata before returning to take on Manawatu at the Tauranga Domain in their final pre-season hit out on Thursday, August 6. Kick off at 2pm.

Steamers Matches:

Preseason Games

Steamers vs. Manawatu

Thursday, August 6, 2.00pm Tauranga Domain, Tauranga

ITM Cup Games