Costly cameo
Aleki Lutui made a surprise return to the Steamers yesterday, but only lasted four minutes before succumbing to his calf injury again. Lutui was brought onto the side on Saturday, and arrived on the field just after halftime. His impact was immediate - he made four charging runs in four minutes, but then limped off clutching his leg again and is in doubt for the rest of his season, which will end after the first round when he heads to England.

Injury update
Though the Lutui news is all bad, No 8 Colin Bourke is expected back against Manawatu this week, and Jeff Ierome was desperate to get back on the park after watching yesterday's game.  Mark Sorenson's hand came through fine, despite being replaced at halftime.

Another Moon rises
Sam Moon's debut as reserve halfback was notable on several counts. Father Robin and brother Robert have both played for the Bay - Sam's brief five minute burst at the end resulted in the 45th pair of brothers playing for the Bay, the 44th father and son combination, and just the ninth time a father and two sons have played. Right wing Lance MacDonald had a quiet match in his first game.

Milestones
First-five Mike Delany is approaching 50 points for the Steamers - his 12-point haul yesterday took him to 46 in total. Simms Davison is approaching 50 games - he's now on 45, while Warren Smith and Hayden Reid (12) are both coming up to their blazer appearance. Bay-raised flanker Daniel Braid played his 50th match for Auckland yesterday.

Crowded house
You've gotta laugh at these Aucklanders. Walking into Eden Park yesterday was a pleasant surprise - thousands decked out the terraces, cheering madly and making a huge noise. Great stuff - except most of them buggered off once the Auckland Grammar-Kings College curtain-raiser had finished. Only 10,582 people stayed for the main game, bolstered by a solid core of Bay fans. 

Thought for the day
 ... and it's not a pretty one, but Northland have more wins than the Steamers this season. Hide the bootlaces.


Stats by BOPRU historian Brent Drabble

With thanks to the Bay of Plenty Times