Bay of Plenty turned offensive defence into an art-form last night, handing Hawke's Bay a 30-11 mauling at McLean Park.

The five-try win was an outstanding display of counter-attack, as Bay of Plenty scored their first competition win in Napier since their days in the second division, more than a decade ago.

Steamers captain Colin Bourke, who sealed a great game with a classy chip-and-chase try late in the game, said it was the perfect way to rebound after their opening 13-10 loss to Waikato.

It was a bitter Saturday evening as we headed over the Kaimais to support our boys in hostile enemy territory. We hadn’t lost to the Mooloo since 2003 and we knew that pride in the jersey could be the key to the game, that little bit of extra passion required when going was tough. Imagine the Fan’s surprise when we ran out wearing Auckland jerseys.

The only real Bay colours were sported by the Bay supporters that made the trip, the fans who actually value our traditions. I am well aware that we have to change our strip when we play in Taranaki or Dunedin but at all other times we should wear our traditional jerseys.

He's on the fringes of the Commonwealth Games but Solomon King will be right in the thick of the action tomorrow night.

The Bay of Plenty blindside flanker has been elevated to the starting XV for tomorrow night's ITM Cup match against Hawke's Bay in Napier.

King, who has been named as a non-travelling reserve for the New Zealand sevens team heading to the October games in New Delhi, replaces Luke Braid, with Braid dropping back into the reserves.