The third and final match, of the Bay of Plenty Steamers preparation for their first Air NZ Cup game, tomorrow (24 July 2008), will take place on Thursday evening.

While the match, against long time rivals Waikato at the Waikato Stadium is a pre-season encounter, there is still plenty at stake. With the game being played as a first class fixture (at the Steamers request) there is likely to be a real intensity, which is often lacking when matches are played as “friendly” fixtures.

Another motivating factor for both sides, is that because of the fourteen team format of the Air NZ Cup, this is the only time that the two Chiefs franchise teams will meet this season.

Two victories in the pre-season matches against Manawatu and North Harbour, have provided Steamers Coach Kevin Schuler, with a good indication of “where the team is at” in terms of skills and fitness.

Steamers Manager Sean Horan said “the Steamers set pieces against North Harbour were again of a high standard because of the emphasis in training on the scrums and lineouts”. 

Horan went on to say, “That the Steamers treat any match against Waikato as a game of importance, with the match also being an important lead-in to our first Air NZ Cup match against Tasman”.

Two Tauranga Sports players have been called into the squad to provide cover for several niggling injuries suffered against North Harbour.

Prop Ray Brown has been called up to allow John Paerenga and Arden David further recovery time. The loose forward duo of Tanerau Latimer and Luke Braid are also being spelled with Bruce Oslsen added to the squad.

BOP Steamers v Waikato @ Waikato Stadium – kickoff 6pm.

Forwards: Joe Savage, Marcel Cummings-Toone, James McGougan, John Moore, Culum Rettalick, Aiden Kuka, Solomon King, Colin Bourke (v/captain)
Backs: Jamie Nutbrown (captain), Mike Delany, Jason Hona, Nigel Hunt, Paula Asaeli, Lance McDonald, Zar Lawrence
Bench: Ray Brown, Matt Wallis, Josh Katene, Bruce Olsen, Josh Hall, Kelly Haimona, Toby Arnold.