It's week five of the ITM Cup, and things don't get any easier for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, with Clayton McMillan's men set to take on premier side Taranaki on Saturday.

Both teams are well rested and should be in a position to field strong teams for the vital clash at Rotorua International Stadium, which kicks-off at 5.35pm.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers meet Taranaki on Saturday. Photo: File.

The Bay will be looking to build on their stunning performance against Counties Manukau, where they dismantled their aggressive attacking style with precision defence to win 37-26.

And while McMillan's side won't be looking any further than Saturday's game, keeping momentum for their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay next week will surely be in the back of their minds.

While the Steamers look to maintain their march towards the top of the table in the Championship division, where they currently sit third behind Hawke's Bay and Wellington respectively, Taranaki are in a similar position.

The West Coasters come off a 17-10 win over Counties and are sitting fourth in the Premiership behind Tasman, Canterbury and Auckland. The visitors have managed a 50 per cent win/loss record while traveling this season.

But it will be the Bay looking to get retribution for last year's humiliation 41-3 loss to Taranaki in New Plymouth.

Providing the Steamers can maintain their discipline on defence and give their outside men room to move on defence, there is no reason the home side can't pick up their second win against a premier side in less than a week.

Keep an eye on SunLive for team news ahead of the big game.