Tanerau Latimer is welcoming the added pressure as his table-topping Bay of Plenty team prepare to play Hawke’s Bay in Rotorua on Saturday.

The annual ITM Cup grudge match - already billed as the unofficial ‘Battle of the Bays’ - has been spiced further as the home union will celebrate their centenary with a festivity-filled weekend of celebration.

Five-test All Black flanker Latimer, who played his 60th provincial match in the 39-33 loss to Taranaki on Tuesday, wants his team to use the occasion to get their season back on track after two losses.

“The boys all know just what a big occasion it's going to be and they also know it's going to be one of the toughest games of the season,” Latimer said.

“But we wouldn't want it any other way, celebrating such a big milestone for the union, and we'll be looking for a good win.”

The Steamers still lead the Premiership with 22 points, from Waikato and Taranaki on 19.  Hawke’s Bay are second in the Championship on 19 points, one behind Manawatu.

Bay of Plenty lock Culum Retallick is the only injury concern for his team after suffering a leg injury against Taranaki, with the Chiefs jumper bracketed with Leon Power in the run-on team.

Former Wallaby Steve Kefu returns to second-five, with Jason Hona sliding out to the wing.

Hawke’s Bay coach Peter Russell has elected not to rush Israel Dagg back into the starting lineup, after the All Black fullback ruptured a tendon in his right thigh during the Crusaders Super 15 season.

Dagg made a return to play in the Hawke’s Bay club final last week but will start off the bench for the Magpies, as he races to be fit for the World Cup squad.  All Black coach Graham Henry will assess his performance on Saturday afternoon, and may call him into the Tri-Nations squad that leaves for South Africa this weekend.

Latimer, meanwhile, will again start at blindside with Colin Bourke at No 8 and Luke Braid at openside.  After a full season for the Chiefs at No 7, Latimer has been getting expert tuition in the No 6 role from former Steamers captain Wayne Ormond, who has joined the team in a technical advisory role after returning from Japan.

“Having the old fulla back means a lot to us,” Latimer said. “He's been huge for this team over the years and we're absolutely loving having him back.  He brings a lot of mana and has a fierce pride in the blue and gold jersey, just like everyone else who has played for the Bay over the last 100 years.”

Those players are commemorated in a special playing strip the Steamers have been wearing this year, decorated with all 1159 names that have worn blue and gold since 1911.

“We only have to look down while we're running out to see who and what we're playing for. We're proud to carry those names with us onto the field.”
 
Bay of Plenty: 15 Toby Arnold, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Phil Burleigh, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Jason Hona, 10 Dan Waenga, 9 Jamie Nutbrown, 8 Colin Bourke (capt), 7 Luke Braid, 6 Tanerau Latimer, 5 Culum Retallick/Leon Power, 4 Luke Andrews, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 John Pareanga, 1 Tristan Moran.
Reserves:  16 Dan Perrin, 17 PingiTalaapitaga/Greg Pleasants Tate, 18 Power/Leighton Price, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Josh Hall, 21 Chris Noakes, 22 Lance MacDonald, 23 Bronson Murray.

Hawke’s Bay: 15 Mark Jackman, 14 Gillies Kaka, 13 Tu Umanga Marshall, 12 Andrew Horrell, 11 Richard Buckman, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick, 9 Kahn Fotualii, 8 Michael Coman (capt), 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Trent Boswell-Wakefield, 5 Bryn Evans, 4 Kane Thompson, 3 Anthony Perenise, 2 Hika Elliot, 1 Hikairo Forbes.
Reserves: 16 Logovi'i Mulipolo, 17 Kas Lealamanua, 18 Brodie Retallick, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Isaac Paewai, 21 Tua Saseve, 22 Israel Dagg, 23 Ben Tameifuna.