Bay of Plenty Steamers are celebrating after taking care of business in Week 5 of the Bunnings NPC, with a 38-14 win against Otago on Saturday.

Bay of Plenty scored three tries in the first 20 minutes against an error-riddled Otago side to set the foundation for a comprehensive win.

Former Highlanders lock Manaaki Selby-Rickit helped himself to two tries in the first half, as Otago fell off far too many tackles in a poor display.

To make matters worse for the visitors, power midfielder Thomas Umaga-Jensen hobbled off after half an hour after twisting his leg in a tackle.

The Steamers, by contrast, were physical in everything they did, while their lineout was also far more accurate.

No 7 Veveni Lasaqa was outstanding with and without the ball, and his efforts were mirrored by midfielder Lalomilo Lalomilo, whose powerful runs and tackles were a feature of the game.

The game, played at Rotorua International Stadium, was also an opportunity for Lucas Cashmore and Veveni Lasaqa to hit their Blazer Game and Funahashi Ryosuke made his debut.

The win puts Bay of Plenty back inside the top eight, with three victories for the season so far.

Otago, meanwhile, are languishing towards the bottom of the ladder, with only a win against Southland to their name so far.

At Rotorua International Stadium: Bay of Plenty 38 (Richard Judd, Manaaki Selby-Rickit (2), Cole Forbes, Lucas Cashmore tries; Cashmore 5 con, pen) Otago 14 (Jermaine Ainsley, Saula Ma’u tries A; Finn Hurley 2 con). HT: 28-7

Yellow card: Naitoa Ah Kuoi (Bay of Plenty)

Paul Cully/Stuff.