Former Australian test player Steve Kefu is making his debut wearing Steamers blue and gold for the Steamers XV that is playing the return match with Taranaki in New Plymouth on Wednesday.

test player Steve Kefu is in the Steamers' ranks this season.

The game, in Taranaki is the second of two pres-season games between a Steamers XV and Taranaki, following the first match-up in Katikati last Friday.

The two games are the final trial for the non-contracted players to impress the selectors and make a final push for Steamers selection.

Six tests as a centre for Australia along with eight seasons playing for the Queensland Reds highlight Steve's playing career. He also joined French team Castres Olympique for three seasons, before playing for the Wasps in England in 2009 and 2010.

A runaway (near) try that was called back by the referee has earned flying outside back Sikeli Vorenasu a place in the starting XV after coming off the bench in the Katikati game.

Luke Andrews, who led his troops with real enthusiasm in the first game with Taranaki, will again captain the team with Dan Waenga moving in a place to start in the first five position.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers players to participate in the 2011 ITM Cup will be named on June 30 following the second Taranaki game with the Steamers team assembling on Friday, July 1.

Steamers XV's v Taranaki at New Plymouth June 29

1 Pingi Talaapitaga/Tristan Moran 2 John Pareanga 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Leon Power 5 Leighton Price 6 Luke Andrews (captain) 7 Scott Curry 8 Jeff Thwaites 9 Lewis Hancock 10 Dan Waenga 11 Sikeli Vorenasu 10 Steve Kefu 13 Jason Hona 14 Lance MacDonald 15 Toby Arnold.

Reserves: Dan Perrin, Pingi Talaapitaga/Tristan Moran, Dan Goodwin, Andrew Stead, Chris Noakes, Phil Burliegh, Courtney Mohi. Daniel Shuster

Coach: Sean Horan Assistant Coach: Paul Feeney Manager: Ross Everiss Assistant Manager: Martin Ewen Physio: Damian Banks F&C Coach: Murray Pedersen Assistant F&C Coach: Aby Galenoski Analyst: Dean Jennings.