The anticipation and waiting is over - with the Bay of Plenty Steamers kicking off their 2012 ITM Cup campaign against Taranaki at Baypark Mount Maunganui on afternoon.

A large crowd of Steamers fans decked out in blue and gold are expected to be on hand at the Steamers' headquarters.

While Taranaki currently hold the Ranfurly Shield, it won't be on the line with challenges only taking place within the holders' home games.

The first ITM Cup game of the season heralds the return of Steamers flying winger Lelia Masaga.

The speedster, who wears the number 14 jersey, has been given almost hero status by many of the passionate Steamers' fans.

In last season's match-up with Taranaki, 'The Flash” set the game alight mid-way through the first spell when he grabbed two tries in two minutes, before the Bay side tasted a narrow 39-33 loss.

Pace out wide should be one of the real strengths of the 2012 Steamers. Wearing the left wing jersey is New Zealand Sevens' player Jack Wilson who has pace to burn and is a finisher of real quality.

Two new recruits making their Steamers ITM Cup debuts are centre Mafi Kefu and fullback Kendrick Lynn. Both impressed in the Bay sides pre-season hit-outs, with Lynn scoring a try against a North Harbour XV in last week's final pre-season game at Katikati.

The Steamers should lack nothing in the lineouts and engine room, with Callum Retallick and Leon Power locking the scrum.

Retallick is another to attract plenty of adulation from Steamers' fans since he first put on the blue and gold strip several years ago.

Bay of Plenty Steamers to play Taranaki at Baypark Mount Maunganui August 25 – kick off 2.30pm

1 Greg Pleasants-Tate 2 Dan Perrin 3 Tristan Moran 4 Culum Retallick 5 Leon Power 6 Warren Lippi-Smith 7 Luke Braid 8 Carl Axtens 9 Jamie Nutbrown (captain) 10 Chris Noakes 11 Jack Wilson 12 Phil Burleigh 13 Mafi Kefu 14 Lelia Masaga 15 Kendrick Lynn.

Reserves: John Pareanga, Mike Kainga, Keepa Mewett, Tanerau Latimer, Lewis Hancock, Nick McCashin, Lance MacDonald.

Head Coach: Kevin Schuler Assistant Coach: Kevin Walters Manager: Russell Reardon

Physio: Damian Banks Trainer: Tony Burgess Video Analyst: Dean Jennings

Bay of Plenty Steamers Record v Taranaki

Played: 38 – won 16 – lost 22

2011 ITM Cup: Taranaki 39 BOP Steamers 33