The Bay of Plenty Steamers find themselves just one win away from reaching their first NPC Grand Final for the first time in 46 years.

Despite winning the Championship in 2019, the Steamers have not made an NPC Final appearance since winning the inaugural competition back in 1976.

The blue and gold travel down to Christchurch for a semi-final matchup versus Canterbury tonight at Orangetheory Stadium.

Canterbury has been the form team of the competition, winning 9 of their 10 round-robin games and finishing 8 points clear of any other team. Steamers Head Coach Mike Delany says that although they understand the magnitude of the challenge ahead of them, the mood in the camp has been fantastic, and the squad is enjoying the privilege of playing finals footy.

'The boys are just really excited to get down there and play their game,” says Delany.

'This week has been about us, making sure we don't get too caught up in the occasion and enjoying the opportunity that we get to play in an NPC semi-final as they don't come around too often.”

The starting XV for Saturday's blockbuster match sees a handful of changes due to injuries. Nikora Broughton, Kaleb Trask and Inga Finau will miss the semi-final. Although their presence will be missed, the Steamers coaching group have 100% faith in the men that will take their place.

'Unfortunate injuries mean that Nikora, Kaleb and Inga cannot play this weekend. However, that means that Zane Kapeli, Wharenui Hawera and Lalomilo Lalomilo get the opportunity to step up and play in an NPC semi-final,” says Delany.

'All three of these boys had fantastic performances last week vs Waikato. We have 100 per cent confidence in their ability to fill the shoes of our injured players and make an impact.”

When asked to reflect upon his first year as head coach of a professional rugby outfit, Delany said that he loved the challenge and the experience and was adamant his side would leave it all out there this Saturday to keep the season alive.

'It's been a year of firsts for me! However, I just want to say how proud I've been as a coach to be able to coach such a great bunch of lads. We have no intention of slowing down and will aim to make history for the province.

The game kicks-off at 7.05pm and will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 1 with tickets available for purchase here.

Bay of Plenty Steamers Semi-Final Team vs Canterbury
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. Zane Kapeli
9. Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi
10. Wharenui Hawera
11. Nigel Ah Wong
12. Lalomilo Lalomilo
13. Joey Walton
14. Leroy Carter
15. Emoni Narawa

16. Anaru Rangi
17. Haereiti Hetet
18. Jeff Thwaites
19. Etonia Waqa
20. Veveni Lasaqa
21. Lucas Cashmore
22. Taylor Haugh
23. Gillies Kaka

Unavailable due to injury:
Melani Nanai
Kitiona Vai
Jamie Dobie
Penitoa Finau
Nikora Broughton
Kaleb Trask
Inga Finau
Benet Kumeroa

All Black 7's:
Roderick Solo

All Blacks:
Sam Cane

Game Day Details
Bunnings NPC Semi-Final
Bay of Plenty Steamers vs Canterbury
Saturday 15th October, 7.05pm
Orangetheory Stadium, Christchurch
LIVE on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051)