Steamers set for BNZ Battle of the Bays

The Steamer’s bench has had a reshuffle seeing five changes in the bid to claim the Macrae-Shelford Bay Cup. Photo: Supplied

Head Coach Clayton McMillan has named an unchanged starting fifteen to take on Hawke's Bay in the BNZ Battle of the Bays at Rotorua International Stadium 5.45pm today.

The Bay of Plenty Steamers bench has had a reshuffle seeing five changes in the bid to claim the Macrae-Shelford Bay Cup.

Whakarewarewa's James Lay wearing the number 18 jersey, and Mount Maunganui Sports Liam Steel in the number 22 jersey, will be hoping to earn their first cap off the bench.

Sabastian Siataga will be also joining them and continues his position as reserve hooker, loose head prop Solomona Sakalia, centurion Culum Retallick and Jesse Parete replaces Henry Stowers to complete the forwards on the reserve bench.

Half back Luke Campbell and utility back Elijah Nicholas retain their spot in the 23 and will be looking to make an impact off the bench.

Following the curtain raiser between Bay of Plenty under 16's and Thames Valley under 16's at 3.30pm, the celebration of club rugby will ignite.

Over 1,000 junior club rugby players will be in attendance from across the Bay of Plenty and will partake in a junior club rugby march past around the field.

The Steamers team will then run out in their respective club rugby socks to show appreciation for their respective Bay of Plenty rugby clubs.

The fun for the kids continues with the return of the Whanau zone with face painting, skills and drills, free giveaways and pre-game autographs with the Steamers.

Tomorrow night's game will also see the inclusion of the Edge Zone, a joint initiative between the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and Whakatāne District Council, to support the wider Eastern Bay community who have been affected by the April floods.

At the conclusion of the BNZ Battle of the Bays the winning team will not only hold the title of being the rightful Bay but will also be the first to be engraved in the new Macrae-Shelford Bay Cup.

Game Details: Friday 25 August Rotorua International Stadium Bay of Plenty Under 16's v Thames Valley Under 16's Kick off 3.30pm Steamers vs. Hawke's Bay Kick off 5.45pm

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