Luke Andrews believes another fast start is crucial if his Bay of Plenty teammates wants to continue their dream ITM Cup season against Wellington tomorrow.

The Steamers are four points clear of the Lions heading into their clash in Mount Maunganui, with the home side unbeaten after three rounds and leading the competition.

After surprising both North Harbour and Waikato with frenetic openings in their last two matches, veteran lock Andrews sees no reason to deviate from that recipe.

“Wellington are also going pretty well but we’re pretty confident in our systems and in our own ability,” Andrews said.  “If we can get a good start, we might be able to force them back into old habits so they go as individuals. It’s important we get a good lead early.”

The 35-year-old should know.  He played 49 games for Wellington, after earlier stints with Otago and Southland.  He also knotched 61 games for the Hurricanes, before heading offshore.

When he arrived back in Tauranga last year, he surprised many with his outstanding fitness levels and continues to play a huge role in the side.  Tomorrow’s outing will be his 15th and blazer game for the province and comes after a full 80mins against Waikato on Tuesday, starting at blindside and ending the game at lock.

Andrews isn’t the oldest player in the ITM Cup – Otago duo Kees Meeuws and Tony Brown are 37 and 36 respectively – but he is continuing a growing trend of veterans returning to provincial rugby.

“It’s good to see the older guys come back playing and at ITM Cup level, it’s good to get some experience alongside the young guys coming through the ranks.

“It always used to be that when you left New Zealand rugby, you never came back but there have been a few guys that have paved the way and now it’s become acceptable.  It’s shown its worth, that there are still a few more miles on the clock for us old fellas and we can still put decent performances on the field.”

Others in the aged brigade include Waikato’s Marty Holah (34), Counties-Manukau’s Grant Henson (35) and Hawke’s Bay prop Kas Lealamanua (34).

Steamers coach Sean Horan, meanwhile, has continued to rotate his squad as they face their third home game in eight days, with Chris Noakes returning to first-five and Taniela Moa back at halfback.

They replace two outstanding performers against Waikato, pivot Dan Waenga and No 9 Jamie Nutbrown.

Luke Braid will get his first start at openside flanker, after playing blindside and No 8 in the last two games, with John Pareanga back at hooker.

Despite the changes, Andrews - who will retire at the end of this season - knows the Bay will have a decent slice of momentum on their side.

“Things are going well and the self belief in the team is creeping up.  Winning’s a habit and hopefully we can keep it going.”
 
Bay of Plenty: 15 Toby Arnold, 14 Lelia Masaga, 13 Phil Burleigh, 12 Steve Kefu, 11 Lance MacDonald, 10 Chris Noakes, 9 Taniela Moa, 8 Colin Bourke (Capt), 7 Luke Braid, 6 Tanerau Latimer, 5 Culum Retallick, 4 Luke Andrews, 3 Josh Hohneck, 2 John Pareanga, 1 Tristan Moran.
Reserves: 16 Dan Perrin, 17 Pingi Talaapitaga, 18 Leighton Price, 19 Sam Cane, 20 Jamie Nutbrown, 21 Dan Waenga, 22 Ben Smith, 23 Bronson Murray.