From After an incredible season last year which included the winning and defending of the Ranfurly shield, a demolition of all S12 franchise bases (bar one), and making the semi finals of the NPC first division, Bay of Plenty is about to begin the 2005 season. The big question most supporters are asking is can the mighty steamers deliver again?

The second player missing from the squad is last years loan player; Rua Tipoki. For most of his rugby history, Rua was the centre of attention for all the wrong reasons, but his time with the BoP could be described by one of his nicknames “twinkle toes”, as opposed to “twinkle toes and fists”, as he continually carved opposition backlines without the temper.

However it’s not all doom and gloom at mafia central. We have managed to retain the core squad, including three Junior All Blacks (Upton, Senio, Castle) the NPC player of the year and inspirational captain Wayne Ormond and internationals (Lutui, Filise, Stewart, Tupai, Henderson) and not forgetting wonder coach Vern Cotter. Of the new acquisitions, Murray Williams, Warren Smith, Hayden Reid, John Paraenga and Filimoni Bolovucu will probably see the most action. Other notable inclusions in the squad include Rueben and Matua Parkinson and David Johnstone.

The biggest key for the Steamers will be getting everyone fit, and staying fit. Depth is the generally the biggest problem for non super 12 bases. Given most non super 12 bases only have a couple of stars, losing those players to injury is something none of them want to go through and it looks like the BoP will have more depth in some key positions this year.

Over the past few years avoiding relegation has been first and foremost, but there is no relegation this year, and the main focus is now on the ability to finish well on the table, not only to attract new talent but prove to the existing talent that they can win and be recognised for higher honours by playing for BoP. Kevin Senio’s inclusion in the All Black squad is certainly a huge achievement and great news for the BoP union, even if it means we have to play without him for some early NPC games!

The team has had limited warm up games this year, so I don’t think we will be as cohesive as early as last year, but given that our traditional must win games (Southland, Northland,) are mid to end season, its probably not such a bad thing that we should be peaking by then.

The Steamers begin their season against Otago this weekend looking to carry on where they left off last year. Otago will provide strong opposition though, even with none of their All Blacks available and winning in Dunedin is never easy. To make matters more interesting a number of members from our squad have Otago connections so that should add a bit of fire to the game. Forwards Davison, Castle, Smith and Bourke have all played in the Otago region, as well as backs Reid and Rueben Parkinson.

Gazing into my tea leaves, I predict another good year for BoP rugby, maybe not as great as last year, but still a very competitive one, that should see us about mid table battling for a semi final berth once again. Obviously my tea leaves have a slight blue and gold tinge to them, but what else would you expect.

Either way BoP supporters, time to get in behind your team!

Go the Bay!