The Bay of Plenty Steamers ITM CUP match-up with Manawatu at Baypark Stadium, on Thursday night is shaping up as the game that could define the Steamers season.
A place in the top seven that will contest the top echelon of the ITM CUP next season is still within the grasp of the Steamers, however, to keep their aspirations alive, the Bay of Plenty team need to defeat the Manawatu Turbos on Thursday.

Steamie will be spurring on the crowd in the must-win game for the Steamers at Baypark against Manawatu.

Seven days ago, many would have said that Manawatu were there for the taking at Baypark, however, they showed last weekend when they dismantled Wellington that they are a team not to be taken lightly.

With Steamer spirits on a high after the adversities that the team weathered in Christchurch last weekend, the key to a blue and gold victory will be taking the game to Manawatu from the opening whistle.

A number of niggling injuries has seen several changes in the Steamers starting line-up. Sam Cane, who was playing for Reporoa College 12 months ago, has been selected in the starting 15. The 2009 New Zealand Secondary Schools representative has untapped potential and will relish the opportunity to start the match.

Another player who can be expected to step up to the mark is Cory Aporo, who will start in the number 13 jersey. A veteran of 40-plus games for the Steamers, Aporo will bring plenty of experience to the Bay of Plenty backline

The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union is predicting the biggest home crowd of the season to be at Baypark to urge on 'our Team' on Thursday evening. With a solid band of Manawatu supporters expected to also be on hand, the scene is set for a noisy vocal battle between two groups of passionate fans.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Manawatu @ Baypark, Mount Maunganui

1 Joe Savage 2 Daniel Perrin 3 Tristan Moran 4 Aiden Kuka 5 Culum Retallick 6 Tanerau Latimer 7 Sam Cane 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Chad Tuoro, 10 Mike Delany 11 Jason Hona 12 Grant McQuoid 13 Cory Aporo 14 Lelia Masaga/Ben Smith 15 Toby Arnold.

Reserves: Simon Chisholm, James McGougan, Luke Katene, Josh Hohneck, Phil Burleigh, Dan Waenga, Ben Smith/Nick McCashin

Head Coach: Sean Horan

Assistant Coach: Steve Miln

Manager: Ross Everiss

Physio: Paul Cameron

Strength & Conditioning Coach: Murray Pedersen

Asst Strength & Condition Coach: Abby Galenzoski

Analysis and Defence Coach: Paul Feeney