A vastly different Bay of Plenty Steamers side will run out against Manawatu tonight after a sting of injuries has hit players.
If mounting pressure to perform at FMG Stadium, Palmerston North wasn't high enough already, All Black duties and injuries to front line players, including Joe Tupe and Kane Hames, are lifting the pressure to another extra level.
Bay of Plenty Steamers flanker Hamish Gosling in action against the Tasman Makos. Photo: Rick Moran.
Steamers coach Kevin Schuler has made sweeping changes to the side after the 41-3 capitulation to Taranaki at the weekend, leaving the side with three losses and no wins – lodged firmly at the bottom of the ITM Cup Championship ladder.
A new front row in Solomona Sakalia, Joe Royal, and Siegfried Fisiihoi are joined by a returning Tim Bond at lock alongside captain Culum Retallick.
Bond's return to the starting side sees abrasive forward Johan Barboul switch to the blindside flank in a loose forward trio with former Manawatu flanker Hamish Gosling and No.8 Carl Axtens.
Halfback Jono Kitto and first five Dan Hollinshead manage to retain their spots and Saiosi Iongi reunites in the midfield with Doug Edwards after playing out on the wing against Taranaki.
The new additions to the backline are Juniro Tofa Va'a on the wing and Byron McGuigan at fullback in place of injured Te Rangi Fraser.
The match, the second of three in eight days, looms as a must win for the Steamers who are currently staring down the barrel of yet another disappointing season.
If they are to snap a year-long losing streak and register vital competition points, the side must show improved cohesion and defence for the full 80 minutes.
The way the season is tracking Sunday's clash with North Harbour looms as an early battle for the wooden spoon with both sides yet to register a win.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers take on the Manawatu Turbos at FMG Stadium, Palmerston North 7.35pm tonight.
STEAMERS:
- Solomona Sakalia
- Joe Royal
- Siegfried Fisiihoi
- Culum Retallick
- Tim Bond
- Johan Bardoul
- Hamish Gosling
- Carl Axtens
- Jono Kitto
- Dan Hollinshead
- Junior Tofa Va'a
- Doug Edwards
- Saiosi Iongi
- Tino Nemani
- Byron McGuigan
- Vyron Smith
- Pingi Tala'apitaga (Mike Kainga)
- Josh Sole
- Jesse Acton
- Te Aihe Toma
- Nick Evemy
- Leroy Van Dam
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