The Steamers and Volcanix team up again today for another double header at the Tauranga Domain.
"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," says a Bay of Plenty Rugby spokesperson.
"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. Head Coach Brent Kaua says that his coaching staff have 100 per cent belief in his side to bring home an important victory.
"Olivia Richardson and Azalleyah Maaka will run out for their blazer games this weekend, a proud moment for them and their families. Tayla Manu-Pym will also debut off the bench in the number 16 jersey," says Brent.
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."
Grace Parata-Stewart and Benet Kumeroa. Photo: BOP Rugby.
The Chiefs Country Cup will be up for grabs this weekend after the Steamers won it off 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 the 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 the 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
Inga Finau
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 August 29, Tauranga Domain
Gates open at 11am
Volcanix vs Canterbury, 11.35am
Steamers vs Counties Manukau, 2.05pm
Click here to buy tickets
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