Friday 3 September. 7.35pm. 

BAY OF PLENTY
1 Josh Hohneck 2 Daniel Perrin 3 James McGougan 4 Luke Andrews 5 Culum Retallick 6 Luke Braid 7 Tanerau Latimer 8 Colin Bourke (captain) 9 Taniela Moa, 10 Mike Delany 11 Ben Smith 12 Phil Burleigh 13 Brett Mather 14 Lelia Masaga 15 Toby Arnold. Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Tristan Moran, Luke Katene, Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Dan Waenga, Jason Hona. 

CANTERBURY
Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis, Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett. Reserves: Steve Fualau, Peter Borlase, Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Sam Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams

It was wonderful for Bay fans to see Mike Delany back in the 10 jersey and directing the game. It was no surprise that his goal-kicking radar was a little faulty, but by the end of the game his confidence had returned. The Fan started to feel comfortable with the Bay’s lead as Delany kicked Harbour back and he didn’t seem to be shirking contact which is also great news. The Delany/Burleigh combination gives us great flexibility. They can kick with both feet, throw a wide pass or take a gap.

Sunday’s rugby was very entertaining, partly due to some superb running but largely due to the inability of both sides to hold a defensive line. While it was pleasing to see the ease with which Burleigh and Mather were slicing through the Harbour midfield, our own defence was equally porous. The gaps were alarmingly wide at times and hopefully there will be some hard work at training this week.

Brett Mather isn't buying into the hype - which is just as well because he'd probably need a lot of money.

But the Steamers centre admits he'd love to have the chance to mark up against high-profile league convert Sonny Bill Williams on Friday night.

Lelia Masaga got the glory with three tries but Graham Henry's trip to Rotorua yesterday may not have been in vain.

The All Black coach rocked up to Rotorua's International Stadium to check  North Harbour first-five Luke McAlister, searching for cover for injured  Dan Carter.