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On Saturday night the mighty Bay of Plenty Steamers are drinking at the Last Chance Saloon. Remember 2004 and a visit to Harbour when the winner would make the top 4. Well it is that time again except Harbour is out of contention and we have to win 3 games in a row. I can only see two outcomes on Saturday. Either the unjust defeat to Hawke's Bay has taken the steam out of us and we will limp to an embarrassing defeat. Or our resolve will be strenghened and our whole game will click resulting in us ripping Harbour a new one. The lineouts were a shambles on Friday night and the scrum was given a good hiding by Hawke's Bay's massive front row - so the only way is up.
Harbour has Luke McAlister back in the starting line-up which will make for an interesting game as he usually combines 1 part good with 2 parts bad. But that Harbour backline looks very dangerous especially if the Bay's setpieces are as bad as last week and we miss tackles. Now it appears that although named, McGougan won't be playing - with injury to Josh Hohneck, Ted Tauroa will be starting. Let's hope we avoid having too many scrums. The weather may yet be our best weapon, a wet night might suit the kicking game of Delany.
Bay 22
Toby Arnold, Ben Smith, Nigel Hunt, Phil Burleigh, Jason Hona, Mike Delany, Junior Poluleuligaga, Colin Bourke (captain) Tanerau Latimer, Zac Hohneck, Culum Retallick, John Moore, James McGougan, John Pareanga, Joe Savage.
Reserves: Dean Elmiger, Ted Tauroa, Mark Burman, Matt Henwood, Josh Hall, Cory Aporo, Zar Lawrence.
Harbour 22
1. Michael Reid
2. Michael Mayhew
3. Ben Afeaki
4. James King
5. Filo Paulo
6. Anthony Boric (C)
7. Tom Chamberlain
8. Viliami Ma’afu
9. Chris Smylie
10. Michael Harris
11. Rudi Wulf
12. Luke McAlister
13. George Pisi
14. Ken Pisi
15. Jack McPhee
16. James Hanson
17. James Afoa
18. Chris Smith
19. Scott Uren
20. Nalu Tuigamala
21. Ben Botica
22. Nafi Tuitavake
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