The Bay of Plenty Steamers have made eight-changes to the starting team for their match against the Southland Stags in Invercargill tonight.

After losing to Wellington 24-10 last weekend, Steamers' coaches have made five changes to the forward pack and three in the backline for the mid-week Mitre 10 cup match, which kicks off at 7.35pm.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers take on the Southland Stags in Invercargill tonight. File Photo.

Aidan Ross, Liam Polwart and Pingi Tala'apitaga will make up the front row. Troy Callander will be joined by Culum Retallick as the starting locking combination, with Shahn Eru moving to the number 19 jersey.

Jesse Parete will start at six, with Henry Stowers returning to the bench. Hugh Blake and Joe Tupe will once again start at seven and eight. Ruki Tipuna and Kelly Haimona will form the starting nine ten combination, with Te Aihe Toma and Dan Hollinshead looking to make an impact off the bench. Second five eight Terrence Hepetema will be joined by Teddy Stanaway at centre.

To complete an explosive back line, wingers Regan Ware and Monty Ioane remain unchanged along with fullback Isaac Te Aute.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers take on the Southland Stags at Rugby Park in Invercargill tonight, kick off at 7.35pm.

The team is as follows:

1. Aiden Ross
2. Liam Polwart
3. Pingi Tala'apitaga
4. Troy Callander
5. Culum Retallick ©
6. Jesse Parete
7. Hugh Blake
8. Joe Tupe
9. Ruki Tipuna
10. Kelly Haimona
11. Regan Ware
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Teddy Stanaway
14. Monty Ioane
15. Isaac Te Aute
16. Joseph Royal
17. Solomona Sakalia
18. Siegfried Fisi'ihoi
19. Shahn Eru
20. Henry Stowers
21. Te Aihe Toma
22. Dan Hollinshead
23. Te Rangi Fraser