Excitement is in the air as the Steamers prepare for their first of five home games for the season today when they take on Taranaki at the Tauranga Domain.

With a 2021 season hampered by Covid-19 Traffic-Light restrictions, BOPRU CEO Mike Rogers says that having full crowds back at home games is a much-missed privilege.

"Last year was tough for everybody, so to have full capacity crowds back to the Tauranga Domain is going to be pretty special," says Rogers.

Despite losing their opening game of the season, the Steamers can walk away from their match verse Wellington with numerous positives heading into Round 2.

They were able to score four impressive tries and narrowly lost by two points, securing them two points on the Bunnings NPC table.

"Once we got settled into the game and got our game going, we looked good. Important we keep that going for 80 minutes," says Head Coach Mike Delany.

"We were impressed by the boys' character and ability to get out from under pressure from Wellington early."

Selection changes to the team to face Taranaki include former All Black 7s star Gillies Kaka making his starting debut at Fullback. Nikora Broughton and Penitoa Finau return to the team after injury absences while Scottish national Jamie Dobie makes a much-anticipated debut at halfback.

"The squad can't wait to play in front of friends, family, and the community this Sunday against a quality opposition in Taranaki," says Delany.

"We are proud of our group and the steps they have taken so far this season. Bring on the weekend."

Silverware will be up for grabs this weekend as both teams will be playing for two trophies, including the Peter Bourke Memorial trophy and the Chiefs Country Cup, both of which Taranaki currently hold.

Peter Standish Burke (1927-2017) was a former All Black player and coach and an immortal of New Zealand rugby. Burke played for both the Bay of Plenty and Taranaki and has strong ties to both provinces.

The Chiefs Country Cup is a trophy that's battled between the Chiefs region teams including Taranaki, Waikato, Counties Manukau and the Bay of Plenty.

Gates open at 11am for the double header at the Domain with the Volcanix vs Counties Manukau FPC game at 11.35am before the Steamers v Taranaki game kicks off at 2.05pm.

Steamers Round 2 team vs Taranaki Bulls
1. Haereiti Hetet
2. Kurt Eklund (C)
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Justin Sangster
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
7. Jacob Norris
8. Zane Kapeli
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Kaleb Trask
11. Nigel Ah Wong
12. Inga Finau (VC)
13. Joey Walton
14. Emoni Narawa
15. Gillies Kaka

16. Anaru Rangi
17. Josh Bartlett
18. Pasilio Tosi
19. Nikora Broughton
20. Penitoa Finau
21. Jamie Dobie*
22. Wharenui Hawera
23. Taylor Haugh

*Steamers Debut

Not available due to injury:
Jeff Thwaites
Melani Nanai
Kitiona Vai
Lalomilo Lalomilo

All Black 7's:
Leroy Carter
Roderick Solo

All Blacks:
Aidan Ross
Sam Cane

Match details
Bay of Plenty Double Header
Sunday, August 14
Tauranga Domain, Tauranga
Gates Open at 11am
Volcanix v Counties Manukau, 11.35am
Steamers vs Taranaki, 2.05pm
Games Live on Sky Sport 1