The Bay of Plenty Steamers will face Waikato in the Bunnings Warehouse NPC Quarter Finals today at Hamilton's FMG Stadium.
Both sides will go into the bout with a level of familiarity, having played each other just last week for the final game of the round-robin. Bay of Plenty started strong but could not hold off a Waikato come-from-behind charge, who ended up 35-34 victors.
Head Coach Mike Delany says both sides will have withheld tactics to ensure the element of surprise leading into the weekend.
"Although we played each other just last week, it will be a completely different game this weekend," says Mike.
"Playoff footy is on a completely different level to the regular season, and teams will be pulling out all the stops. This weekend is step one in putting together the culmination of all our hard work throughout the year."
The Steamers will unleash their full-strength side with the hope of reaching their first semi-final since 2020. Notable changes include Emoni Narawa who will play at 15, with Leroy Carter drawing a start on the right wing. The All Black 7's star was unstoppable last weekend, scoring two tries and slicing up the Waikato defence.
For those who are planning to drive over the Kamai range and catch the action, tickets can be purchased online here. The match will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 with coverage starting from 2pm.
Bay of Plenty Steamers Quarter Final Team vs Waikato
1. Aidan Ross
2. Kurt Eklund (C)
3. Tevita Mafileo
4. Justin Sangster
5. Manaaki Selby-Rickit
6. Naitoa Ah Kuoi
7. Jacob Norris
8. Nikora Broughton
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Kaleb Trask
11. Nigel Ah Wong
12. Inga Finau
13. Joey Walton
14. Leroy Carter
15. Emoni Narawa
16. Anaru Rangi
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Jeff Thwaites
19. Veveni Lasaqa
20. Zane Kapeli
21. Wharenui Hawera
22. Lalomilo Lalomilo
23. Taylor Haugh
Unavailable due to injury:
Melani Nanai
Kitiona Vai
Jamie Dobie
Penitoa Finau
Gillies Kaka
Lucas Cashmore
All Black 7's:
Roderick Solo
All Blacks:
Sam Cane
Game Day Details
Bay of Plenty Steamers vs Waikato
Sunday, 9th October, 2.05pm
FMG Stadium, Hamilton
LIVE on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051)
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