Backing the Bay against Otago

Steamers won against Waikato last weekend and plan to do the same this weekend.

After winning a gruelling game against Waikato last week, the Bay of Plenty Steamers team are ready beat Otago once again at a home game.

Bay of Plenty Steamers last held a home Semi Final seventeen years ago with the side successfully defeated King Country 48-30 and were later promoted into the Premier Division of the National Provincial Championship.

Once again Tauranga Domain will play host to the Barrett Homes match day which will be a tantalising watch for spectators.

Head Coach Clayton McMillan has remained with a familiar starting fifteen however with the absence of Tom Franklin and the experienced Culum Retallick ruled out with concussion, lock Troy Callander and blindside flanker Mitchell Karpik will take the field named in jersey number five and six.The explosive backline will remain unchanged.

Reserve hooker James O'Reilly returns to the 23 named on the bench alongside flanker Henry Stowers. Matthew Garland named in the jersey number 22 will provide mid-field cover, while reserve half back Luke Campbell will be hoping to take the field in his blazer game.

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union has thanked the community with a random rugby drop of 1,000 free tickets circulated to local Tauranga primary and intermediate schools.

Fairhaven Primary School, Mount Maunganui Intermediate, Otumoetai Primary School, Papamoa College, Tauranga Intermediate, St Mary's Primary School, Tauranga Primary School, Te Akau Ki Papamoa and Te Puke Primary School have all been lucky recipients, while Mount Maunganui Primary School, Otumoetai Primary School and Pillans Point Primary School have also been treated to the attendance of special Steamers guests, Tom Franklin, Solomona Sakalia, Liam Steel and Isaac Te Aute.

'There is a real buzz this weekend and there is nothing better than adding to it by doing something positive for the community with our local schools. We are certainly looking forward to seeing the community get in behind our team this weekend,” says Bay of Plenty Rugby CEO Mike Rogers Rogers.

Today will not only be an afternoon out for the rugby enthusiasts but will be a great day out for Whanau, friends and supporters.

Spectators can grab a tasty bite to eat from the Little Big Markets; a beverage from Mount Brewing Co. and the kids can be entertained in the Mount Maunganui New World Whanau zone with face painting, skills and drills, free giveaways and pre-game autographs with the Steamers.

Don't get stuck in traffic and take a free bus ride with Western Bay of Plenty Regional Council free bus transport to the game. Simply present your game day ticket to redeem on all allocated bus routes.

Tickets for Mitre 10 Cup Semi-Final kicking off at 2.35pm and are available on www.ticketmaster.co.nz.

Those who purchase their tickets online will pay $20 for adults, $10 for students and $5 for children, with Under 5's free.

Tickets will be available at the gate and Ticketmaster box offices to purchase however ticketing prices will be $25 for adults, $15 for students and $7.50 for children, with Under 5's free.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers is as follows:


1. Aidan Ross (21)
2. Liam Polwart (11)
3. Jeff Thwaites (18)
4. Keepa Mewett (32)
5. Troy Callander (20)
6. Mitchell Karpik (3)
7. Hugh Blake (17)
8. Jesse Parete (17)
9. Richard Judd (8)
10. Mike Delany (69) – Vice Captain
11. Joe Webber (23)
12. Terrence Hepetema (16)
13. Lalakai Foketi (26)
14. Monty Ioane (27)
15. Chase Tiatia (23)

Reserves:
16. James O'Reilly (15)
17. Jordan Lay (6)
18. James Lay (7)
19. Tyler Ardron (4)
20. Henry Stowers (16)
21. Matthew Garland (1)
22. Luke Campbell (14)**
23. Elijah Nicholas (15)

() Denotes number of games
* Denotes Bay of Plenty Steamers debut
** Denotes Blazer game

Game Details:
Saturday 21 October
Tauranga Domain
Bay of Plenty Steamers vs. Otago
Kick off 2.35pm

Unavailable for selection due to injury:
Solomona Sakalia, Isaac Te Aute and Liam Steel

Unavailable for selection due to family commitments:
Tom Franklin

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2 comments

game

Posted on 21-10-2017 12:25 | By dumbkof2

Why would i want to go to the domain to watch rugby. No shelter. no shade no decent facilities no parking. long way from the game substandard seating. will watch it at home. this is just to please a few pub and bar owners. Altogether a very substandard venue


dumbkof2

Posted on 21-10-2017 18:04 | By WSTAKL

You sound like a fun person to be around....or maybe just a typical Tauranga attitude towards anything.


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