The waiting is over for the 2011 Bay of Plenty Steamers who kick-off their quick fire campaign in the 2011 ITM Cup against Counties Manukau in Pukekohe on Sunday.

The 2011 format for the ITM Cup sees the Steamers meet their six counterparts in the top echelon premiership championship, along with crossover games with four teams in the championship division.

There will be little time for rest and relaxation this season with the Steamers playing 10 games in six weeks.

The Steamers line-up named by head coach Sean Horan for the 4.35pm kick-off has plenty of previous Steamers experience in the starting XV.

The front row of Tristan Moran, Dan Perrin and Josh Hohneck all pulled on the blue and gold Steamers jersey last season.

Also, Luke Andrews and Culum Retallick, who have time in the Steamers engine room locking the scrum, pair up again for the season opener.

The Steamers can call upon what should become one of the best loose forward units in 2011 ITM Cup competition – led by inspirational skipper Colin Bourke, with All Black Tanerau Latimer and rising star Sam Cane on either side of the scrum.

Jamie Nutbrown returns from overseas to wear the number nine jersey with Dan Waenga and former Australian test player Steve Kefu in first and second five eight positions respectively.

Phil Burleigh slots into the centre of the backline, with last years ITM Cup try scoring sensation Lelia Masaga on one wing, and former New Zealand Sevens star Jason Hona on the other side.

The starting XV is rounded out by current New Zealand Sevens players Toby Arnold who provides real security as the last line of defence.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Counties Manukau

Pukekohe – kickoff Sunday, July 17, 4.35pm

1 Tristan Moran 2 Dan Perrin 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Luke Andrews 5 Culum Retallick 6 Tanerau Latimer 7 Sam Cane 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Jamie Nutbrown 10 Dan Waenga 11 Jason Hona 12 Steve Kefu 13 Phil Burleigh 14 Lelia Masaga 15 Toby Arnold

Reserves: John Pareanga. Pingi Talaapitga, Leon Power, Carl Axtens, Taniela Moa, Chris Noakes, Lance MacDonald, Bronson Murray.

Coach: Sean Horan Assistant Coach: Paul Feeney Manager: Ross Everiss Physios: Damian Banks & Paul Cameron Doctor: Morne du Plessis F&C Coach: Murray Pedersen Analyst: Dean Jennings.

Bay of Steamers 2011 ITM Cup Schedule

17 July (Sunday) v Counties Manukau @ Growers Stadium, Pukekohe

23 July (Saturday) v North Harbour @ BayPark, Mount Maunganui

26 July (Tuesday) v Waikato @ Rotorua International Stadium

31 July (Sunday) v Wellington @ BayPark, Mount Maunganui

4 August (Thursday) v Northland @ Whangarei

9 August (Tuesday) v Taranaki @ New Plymouth

13 August (Saturday) v Hawkes Bay @ Rotorua International Stadium

20 August (Saturday) v Auckland @ Eden Park, Auckland

23 August (Tuesday) v Canterbury @ BayPark, Mount Maunganui

28 August (Sunday) v Southland @ Invercargill