The Bay of Plenty Steamers have powered into the Bunnings National Provincial Championship semifinals after ending Tasman Mako’s season in commanding fashion with a 27–7 victory in their quarter-final at Tauranga Domain on Saturday.

“Off to the semifinals baby,” the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union posted to its Facebook page on Saturday evening.

Bay of Plenty's Lucas Cashmore celebrates Fehi Fineanganofo's try in the quarter-final against Tasman. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union.

It was déjà vu for the visitors, who were also beaten convincingly by Bay of Plenty 37–7 in the first round of the competition, at the same venue, and again in front of a full house.

In a tight first half, Tasman led 7–6 at the break despite an early penalty from Lucas Cashmore getting the Steamers on the board.

But Bay of Plenty found another gear after halftime, dominating territory and possession to produce a clinical second-half performance. Their attack clicked into gear with some superb tries, shutting Tasman out and sealing a deserved semifinal berth.

The spectators on their feet to cheer on a Bay of Plenty Steamers break at Tauranga Domain. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Steamers head coach Richard Watt said his side had to dig deep before pulling away.

“They knew at halftime they were in a grind,” Watt said.

“We had to grind it out eventually, but I thought the boys handled the pressure really well.”

The Bay of Plenty Steamers beat Tasman 27-7 in their NPC quarter-final at Tauranga Domain on Saturday. Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Bay of Plenty made two key changes following last week’s win over Wellington, with props Pasilio Tosi and Tevita Mafileo released from All Blacks duty to bolster the front row.

Tosi replaced Benet Kumeroa at tighthead prop, while Jacob Norris came in for Joe Johnston on the blindside flank. Mafileo and Taine Kolose were added to the bench.

Kele Lasaqa scores for Bay of Plenty against Tasman. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union

Watt said the returning front-rowers made a huge difference.

“Tosi and Mafileo were a much-needed boost for our front row, and they really made an impact,” he said.

“The bench was special — the boys that came on did a hell of a good job. They brought real punch off the bench and were a big reason we got over the line.”

One of the Steamers' unanswered second-half tries against Tasman at Tauranga Domain.  Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

One of the Steamers' unanswered second-half tries against Tasman at Tauranga Domain.  Photo / Rosalie Liddle Crawford

Watt praised the team’s composure in knockout rugby.

“At this stage of the season you’re not playing easy teams — they’re all quality sides,” Watt said.

“But I saw the boys that came off the bench, and they were outstanding. The two props came on, got that scrum penalty straight away, and really shifted the momentum.”

The Tauranga Domain was packed with supporters. Photo / Bay of Plenty Rugby Union

Watt said depending on the outcome of the Canterbury–Counties Manukau match, Bay of Plenty will either face Otago in Dunedin on Friday night if Canterbury win, or host Counties Manukau in Tauranga on Saturday if Counties pull off an upset.