The Bay of Plenty Steamers have announced their team to tackle their Ranfurly Shield Challenge against the Hawke's Bay Magpies on Saturday.

Steamers coach Clayton McMillan has made a number of changes to the starting XV that faced Taranaki in Rotorua last Saturday.

Tino Nemani has been named in the centres for Saturday's game. Photo: Cameron Avery.

The back line has been reshuffled, with Nick Evemy starting at first-five and Lalakai Foketi moving to second-five.

Craig Clare returns to the right wing and is joined by returning Tino Nemani at centre and Elijah Nicolas on the left wing. The final change sees Chase Tiatia move to full-back. Clayton says he is happy with the team's preparation this week.

'Hawke's Bay are a significant challenge and one the team are excited about and have prepared well for,” he says.

'The added incentive of challenging for the Ranfurly Shield has bought an edge to our week, and is a fantastic opportunity for the players and the Union.”

However, Clayton insists there has not been a lot of discussion about the challenge.

'We just need to get our preparation right and get to the start line,” he adds.

'Once the whistle goes the occasion will take care of itself, and if the team plays to its potential and is prepared to spill some blood for 80 minutes, we will be in the race.”

The match will be played at McLean Park, Napier, with kick off at 2.35pm.

Steamers Team:

1. Solomona Sakalia

2. Nathan Harris

3. Pingi Tala'apitaga

4. Keepa Mewett

5. Culum Retallick ©

6. Shahn Eru

7. Zak Hohneck

8. Joe Tupe

9. Te Aihe Toma

10. Nick Evemy

11. Elijah Nicolas

12. Lalakai Foketi

13. Tino Nemani

14. Craig Clare

15. Chase Tiatia

Reserves:

16. Sabastian Siataga

17. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi

18. Mike Kainga

19. Troy Callander

20. Johan Bardoul

21. Jono Kitto

22. Caleb Hall

23. Dan Hollinshead