Livewire Bay of Plenty fullback Toby Arnold concedes his team has been done no favours by a round of ITM Cup upsets.

The Steamers head to New Plymouth for Tuesday's clash with Taranaki, with both sides licking wounds, after Bay lost 30-23 to Northland on Thursday and Taranaki were toppled by neighbours Manawatu 15-10 on Saturday.

Arnold and a clutch of first-choice Bay players were on light duties against Northland, although the 23-year-old had a breezy cameo off the bench near the end which resulted in his fifth try of the season.

Northland’s win ended an unbeaten start to the season by the Steamers and coach Sean Horan has rushed leading lights Arnold, Colin Bourke, Tanerau Latimer, Josh Hohneck and Phil Burleigh back into the starting team.

“That was the wakeup call we needed against Northland,” Arnold said.  “We're definitely good enough to win the competition but we can't expect to just turn up and roll teams.  It's going to take a lot of hard work.

“Unfortunately Taranaki will also be hurting and that will make them even tougher. It's hard enough down in New Plymouth without them being fired up too.”
Arnold’s new-found try-scoring ability comes on the back of a vintage season on the IRB sevens circuit.  Until this season, the 36-game flyer had only scored three tries but he’s more than made amends.

“Our forwards have been doing a pretty good job up front and I've been reaping the benefits.  I'm feeling a lot more consistent this year as well, not making little mistakes when I make a break, and just a bit more on top of my game.

“I got a lot more game time on the sevens circuit this year and that's definitely helped.  It helped my vision and gave me a lot more confidence heading into this season.”

Bay of Plenty still lead the ITM Cup Premiership with 20 points, followed by Canterbury (17) and Auckland (16).

Taranaki, who dropped to fourth on 15 points, beat Bay of Plenty 24-15 last year in New Plymouth.
 
Bay of Plenty: Toby Arnold, Lelia Masaga, Phil Burleigh, Jason Hona, Ben Smith, Chris Noakes, Jamie Nutbrown, Colin Bourke (capt), Sam Cane, Tanerau Latimer, Culum Retallick, Leon Power, Josh Hohneck, Dan Perrin, Tristan Moran.
Reserves: John Pareanga, Pingi Talaapitaga, Luke Andrews, Luke Braid, Josh Hall, Dan Waenga, Lance MacDonald, Bronson Murray.