He's the only All Black in Bay of Plenty's pack but Tanerau Latimer can't even cement a starting spot in his favoured openside position.

Instead, the 25-year-old - one of the best players for the Chiefs this year - will start at blindside when the Steamers open their ITM Cup campaign against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe on Sunday.

His spot in the No 7 jersey has gone to Sam Cane, six years Latimer's junior, and fresh from an outstanding display with the New Zealand under-20 side at the Junior World Cup in Italy.

The Bay has named a side close to their strongest for their opening game in Pukekohe on Sunday. Luke Braid is out of the 23, presumably being rested for the battles ahead and there is an ITM Cup debut for Steve Kefu in the 12 jersey.

Bay of Plenty Steamers v Counties Manukau 17 July 2011 @ Growers Stadium, Pukekohe – kickoff 5.35pm
1 Tristan Moran 2 Dan Perrin 3 Josh Hohneck 4 Luke Andrews 5 Culum Retallick 6 Tanerau Latimer 7 Sam Cane 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Jamie Nutbrown 10 Dan Waenga 11 Jason Hona 12 Steve Kefu 13 Phil Burleigh 14 Lelia Masaga 15 Toby Arnold
Reserves: John Pareanga. Pingi Talaapitga, Leon Power, Carl Axtens, Taniela Moa, Chris Noakes, Lance MacDonald, Bronson Murray.

Compacted and daunting as this year's ITM campaign is for most players it's old hat for Steve Kefu.

The former Wallabies centre has joined Bay of Plenty and will make his debut at second five-eighths against Counties-Manukau on Sunday in Pukekohe.

The 31-year-old comes loaded with plenty of experience, after six Tests from 2001-03, eight years with the Queensland Reds in the Super 12 and six seasons in Europe with French club Castres and English club Wasps. He's the brother of former Wallaby No 8 Toutai, and isn't fazed about packing in 10 games in seven weeks.

Our roving photographer took these great photos at Bay Steamers training the other day. The boys were making their final preparations for their opening game against Counties-Manukau on Sunday.

Tanerau Latimer is pictured - Lats will be key for this season, the ex All-Black has great experience in the loose forwards along with skipper Colin Bourke. They will have 3 keen young loosies of the future to mentor this season, Blues star Luke Braid, IRB U-20 Player of the Year nominee Sam Cane and NZ U-20 player Carl Axtens. 

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