The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final
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Media Release: Steamers face a different beast in Manawatu
Steamers assistant coach Mike Delany says Manawatu will be a different beast when the two sides clash in the first semi-final game of the Mitre 10 Cup.
The two sides last met in Round 9 of the competition, with the Steamers putting on an impressive 46-10 win over Manawatu.
Delany says, that result is history and the side wasn’t taking anything for granted, especially Manawatu.
“We know Manawatu is a good side. They have had a few injuries and they will be a different beast come finals time. Mitre 10 Cup is a real tough competition, a couple of weeks is a long time for a team and so it’s about looking at their threats and seeing how we can counter that.”
The assistant coach says, the team haven’t let the thought of a semi-final impact on the preparation for the game being played at the Rotorua International Stadium on Friday at 7.35pm.
“We’ve had a good rest after the Southland game. The boys have embraced the start of another week. Everyone is in good spirits and just excited about getting out there on Friday night.”
This has meant keeping the same routine as they have the entire season.
“We’ve tried to keep things pretty consistent throughout the year. There is a buzz in the final week but we just make sure we have the same processes in place. The culture in the team is really good and the boys are just wanting to get on with it.
“They understand it’s a big week but at the same time not over-thinking it. We’ve just made sure we control our game and work on things that we needed to work on.”
Delany says, there is something unique about this year’s team.
“The culture within our side is about trying to improve every week. So, we’ve put leaders amongst the group to ensure the side doesn’t get complacent. Manawatu is a real threat and we have to be clinical if we want to get the right result.”
Having free entry to the game has excited the players, Delany says.
“I was pretty pumped with the idea of free entry, I’m from Rotorua and it’s awesome to see. In my playing days, I loved the international stadium. It’s a great ground to play on and I don’t think too many teams enjoy coming there.
“So, if the supporters can really embrace that and get in behind it that would be great. The players have talked all week about how excited they are about it being free and the potential of all the support they will have at the game.”
Steamers loose-forward Tom Franklin will play his blazer game (15) when he takes to the field.
The gates open at 6.30pm and parking is also free.
Bay of Plenty Steamers
- Aidan Ross (C) (34)
- Nathan Vella (7)
- Ross Geldenhuys (17)
- Baden Wardlaw (18)
- Alex Ainley (6)
- Tom Franklin * (14)
- Mitch Karpik (25)
- Hoani Matenga (17)
- Richard Judd (26)
- Dan Hollinshead (34)
- Joe Ravouvou (7)
- Chase Tiatia (45)
- Mathew Skipwith-Garland (17)
- Fa’asiu Fuatai (16)
- Emoni Narawa (11)
- Kurt Eklund (10)
- Chris Eves (2)
- Jeff Thwaites (40)
- Aaron Carroll (19)
- Hugh Blake (34)
- Leroy Carter (9)
- Jason Robertson (13)
- Pryor Collier (5)
- Denotes debut
** Denotes blazer game – 15 games
() Denotes games played
Team subject to change
Mitre 10 Cup:
Bay of Plenty Steamers v ManawatuGame Details:
Friday, October 18
Rotorua International Stadium
Gates open: 6.30pm
Kick-off: 7.35pmEND
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Manawatu
1 Fraser Armstrong
2 Sam Stewart
3 Sione Asi
4 Fraser Stone
5 Liam Mitchell
6 Nick Crosswell
7 Johnny Galloway
8 Brayden Iose
9 Jamie Booth
10 Otere Black
11 Ben Werthmuller
12 James Tofa
13 Josiah Maraku
14 Te Rangatira Waitokia
15 Sam Malcolm16 Nick Grogan
17 Fa’alelei Sione
18 Paulo Leleisiuao
19 Rhys Pedersen
20 Sione Tu’ipulotu
21 Atutahi Henare
22 Stewart Cruden
23 Hamish Northcott.
The Turbos have been forced into a reshuffled backline for their Mitre 10 Cup Championship semifinal against Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on Friday night.
A hamstring strain has left Ngani Laumape sidelined, while Rob Thompson is still battling concussion and Andre Taylor was also ruled out with injury.
That sees the combo of James Tofa and Josiah Maraku get a chance to take control of the midfield after impressing in the second half of last week's match.
The other change comes up front with Sione Asi getting the nod at tighthead prop.
On the bench, Stewart Cruden comes into the mix joining Hamish Northcott.
Three of their best players out with injury. I expect the Turbos to get hammered by the Steamers.
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Nepotism starts early at the Bay aye. Mike Delany’s boy carrying out the game ball....
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Great try saver there by the Poo
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The Bay can’t use it after a dominant scrum.
HT and the Bay doing it easy.
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@Duluth said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
What is Narawa’s kicking game like? Good enough for fullback? Or is he just playing there to get all the best players on the field?
All of the above I think - midfield injuries saw Tiatia move up to 12, and Narawa is on fire!
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@KiwiPie said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
@cgrant said in The Bay v Manawatu Semi-Final:
I can't see the Turbos winning this one.
I know - it's making me nervous!
I hope my pre-match nerves are as badly misplaced!
