The Steamers and Volcanix team up again this Sunday for another double header at the Tauranga Domain.  

This week we will be celebrating whānau day, a celebration for both the Steamers and Volcanix players as they recognise and celebrate their partners, friends and family. The BOPRU also wants to acknowledge our wider rugby whānau. Without your support, our players wouldn't be able to play the game they love, grow it, and inspire the next generation.  

We also want to recognise Steamers Manager Wayne Brill, who will manage his 100th game this weekend.   

Brilly has been an integral part of the Steamers' side and works tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the team operates smoothly and without a hitch. He is a much-loved team member, and we want to congratulate him on his fantastic achievement and service!  

Kicking off the day's action is the Volcanix, who have a must-win game vs Canterbury if they want to secure a playoff spot. The Canterbury women have been the form team of the competition, winning five from five games this season.

"It's always enjoyable playing at home in front of whanau and friends, it was great play our style of rugby for good periods in the sun, unfortunately, we didn't get the result that day. So the team is looking forward to running out at the Tauranga domain again. The squad mood is building up towards Sunday, and we are aiming to be ready to throw everything at Canterbury. We've asked our team to just have each other's backs, and do themselves and their whanau proud," says Volcanix Assistant Coach Jarvy Aoake.

Volcanix Head Coach Brent Kaua comments "Tayla Manu Pym gets her chance to debut for us. She’s hungry and raring to go! She’s trained well this week. This will be exciting for her and her whanau. Also Azalleyah Maaka and Liv Richardson will be playing their blazer games. Thats a huge achievement." 

Following the Volcanix, The Steamers play the dangerous Counties Manukau and will look to continue their excellent run of form, which includes a historic win over Auckland at Eden Park last weekend.   

"For so many years, we've talked about winning the John Drake Boot and bringing it back to the Bay," says Head Coach Mike Delany.  

"To have finally done it is a fantastic achievement. We are proud of how the boys carried themselves and played.  

"We have been playing some great footy of late, but we cannot get complacent. Counties Manukau is a quality outfit, and we need to keep trusting in our systems and leaving it all out on the park week in and week out. We have full confidence in our boys to continue playing with hunger and pride."  

The Chiefs Country Cup will be up for grabs this weekend after the Steamers won it of Taranaki back in round 2. There are minimal changes to the side; 59 cap veteran Jeff Thwaites returns to play after a long period away with injury, Lalomilo Lalamilo is also back from injury in his first game of the 2022 season to replace Inga Finau and Etonia Waqa will look to get his debut cap at lock for the Steamers coming off the bench. 

Waqa was a star player in Te Puna's 2022 campaign; a freakish athlete, he can cover both lock and the wing and will likely be the fastest player out on the park this Sunday.   

There will be a free Bunnings Warehouse BBQ running throughout matchday, as well as our Steamies Food Truck, plus numerous delicious food and beverage options.   

Get your tickets online before you get to the Domain for a lower price, including our current special - buy one adult ticket, get one child ticket free!  

To purchase tickets and view prices visit our website: www.boprugby.co.nz/tickets 

Volcanix Round 7 team vs Canterbury 
1. Kate Henwood 
2. Te Urupounamu McGarvey
3.  Animei Skudder 
4. JayJay Taylor 
5. Kelsie Wills (C) 
6. Tynealle Fitzgerald 
7. Les Elder 
8. Pia Tapsell 
9. Sheniqua Taula 
10. Kalyn Takitimu-Cook 
11. Olivia Richardson** 
12. Azalleyah Maaka** 
13. Renee Wickliffe 
14. Grace Parata-Stewart 
15. Payton Takimoana  

16. Tayla Manu-Pym*  
17. Jayde August 
18. Jessie Wharekura 
19. Helena Coughlan 
20. Ruby Tawa 
21. Myracle Monga 
22. Phoenix Paniora 
23. Kataraina Stainton 
*Volcanix Debut 
**Volcanix Blazer Game (15th Game)  

Unavailable due to injury 
Olive Watherston 
Kiri Ngawati 
Brooklyn Teki Joyce 
Emma Flynn

Black Ferns 
Natalie Delamere 
Kendra Reynolds 
Luka Connor 
Santo Taumata  

Not available for selection 
Kiki Tahere 
Shaye Adams 

Steamers Round 4 team vs Counties Manukau  
1. Haereiti Hetet 
2. Kurt Eklund (C) 
3. Tevita Mafileo   
4. Manaaki Selby-Rickit  
5. Zane Kapeli 
6. Jacob Norris 
7. Penitoa Finau  
8. Nikora Broughton 
9. Jamie Dobie  
10. Kaleb Trask  
11. Nigel Ah Wong  
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo 
13. Joey Walton  
14. Emoni Narawa  
15. Gillies Kaka  

16. Anaru Rangi  
17. Josh Bartlett  
18. Jeff Thwaites 
19. Etonia Waqa* 
20. Veveni Lasaqa 
21. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi  
22. Wharenui Hawera  
23. Taylor Haugh  
*Steamers Debut 

Not available due to injury:    
Melani Nanai   
Kitiona Vai 
IngaFinau 
Justin Sangster
Naitoa Ah Kuoi 
Luke Donaldson   

All Black 7's:   
Leroy Carter   
Roderick Solo   

All Blacks:   
Sam Cane 
Aidan Ross 

Parental Leave 
Pasilio Tosi

Double Header at the Domain Game Day Details  
Double Header at the Domain 
Sunday 28th August, Tauranga Domain 
Gates open at 11am 
Volcanix vs Canterbury, 11.35am 
Steamers vs Counties Manukau, 2.05pm 
Click here to buy tickets 

Article added: Friday 26 August 2022