After a challenging season of many highs and lows, the Steamers may still be pinching themselves that they have the chance this weekend to secure a Premiership semi-final slot. 

Tomorrow on 6 November from 4.35pm, the Steamers will run out on Christchurch's Orangetheory Stadium with the tall task of beating Canterbury with a bonus-point win. 

With a bonus point victory, the Steamers all but secure the 3rd or 4th seed in the competition. A win only would require specific opposition results to fall the team’s way to give them any hope of making the playoffs. 

The starting XV on Saturday will require the leadership and experience from the forward pack to lead the charge for a talented but inexperienced backline. 

The game will mark a special occasion for Tauranga Sports Tyrone Keith who is set to make his debut for the Steamers off the bench.

The challenge of defeating Canterbury in Canterbury with a bonus point is a daunting task and one rarely seen in the NPC. Still, the Steamers are riding high after a gutsy win v Northland last Wednesday and will give it everything they've got to make the Top 4 and turn their season around.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Canterbury

1. Aidan Ross (C)
2. Nathan Harris
3. Jeff Thwaites 
4. Justin Sangster
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
6. Angus Scott-Young
7. Veveni Lasaqa
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Lucas Cashmore
11. Leroy Carter
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo
13. Cassius Misa
14. Peni Lasaqa
15. Sekuini Tanimo

16. Bernie Hati
17. Benet Kumeroa
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Tevita Mafileo
20. Stan van den Hoven
21. Semisi Paea
22. Junior Matautia
23. Tyrone Keith*

*Denotes Steamers Debut

Game details 
Saturday 6 November
Kick-off 4.35 pm 
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch 
Live on Sky Sport 1

Article added: Friday 05 November 2021