I feel sorry for you guys as I know how you feel. Bay of Plenty have been in that exact same position many, many times. One thing that is showing in Bay of Plenty Rugby this year is the quality of players we now have. Put simply, that is the basic ingredient for any team. We seems to have a nice mix of experience and emerging talent which is the result of many things :- (1) Our academy seems to finally be producing the talent which it never did for years. Narawa is a prime example. (2) We have made some good player purchases (3) The core of the team have been around for a few years and have grown into their roles. Obviously coaching, injuries and team culture are also important but at the end of the day player quality is the basic ingredient for success.

Some thoughts.

Two tries each with Auckland getting two penalties. One Auckland try resulted from Tiatia waiting for a ball from kick off, which was bouncing, to go out of play but it was scooped up by an Aucklander who scored.

A good game for BOP to get before the season proper.

This Auckland side is a pretty decent side boasting Akira Ioane (who is unstoppable with ball in hand), Blake Gibson and Dalton Popalii in the loose forwards as examples.

There were a lot of replacements (Auckland had 12 and BOP had 8).

Many in the BOP team played in different positions at different times during the game.

Le'aupepe, Wardlaw, Latimer, Delany, Robertson and Foketi never played.

I'm not worried at all by the result as BOP should take a lot of learning from the game. Theres plenty to work on...lineouts, tackling and kicking come to mind.

Bring on the real games. I can't wait.

Okay, we are halfway through the competition and I'm curious to know where we could possibly finish. Here's some rough guesses as to what the future results will be :-

Bay of Plenty.
Lose to Taranaki. Beat Northland, Hawkes Bay, Manawatu and Southland. Total extra points 16.

Taranaki.
Lose to Waikato and Auckland. Beat Bay of Plenty, Hawkes Bay and Southland. Total extra points 12.

Hawkes Bay.
Lose to Waikato, Taranaki, Bay of Plenty, Canterbury and Tasman.
Total extra point 0.

Otago.
Lose to Wellington, North Harbour, Waikato and Canterbury. Beat Northland.
Total extra points 4.

This obviously does not include bonus points which could totally change things.

Anyway if we add these extra points to those already won the final points would read :-

Bay of Plenty 32
Taranaki 26
Hawkes Bay 23
Otago 19

I'm totally aware that this is just "pie in the sky" stuff and I'm often wrong (almost always). What it does show however is that it is still anyone's competition to win and one upset could decide the final winners or one result could change the final standings. (Hawkes Bay could beat us which would leapfrog them to second but we would remain on top.) It will be fascinating.

I know my predictions will be scoffed at by many (particularly those from Hawkes Bay). I know The TAB predict Taranaki to end above us on the table and they are more often than not right.. What I would like to know is "How far out am I ? "

My thoughts:-

1. Shame on you Rotorua for not coming out in numbers to the semi and the final. Those games were high profile and the weather came to the party so there really wasn't to many excuses for the poor attendance. I'm sure if those games were played in Tauranga there would have been almost double the crowd. I see the topic of a Tauranga stadium is appearing in the media again.

2. While it wasn't a flash game, it was enthralling, probably because it was a final and close. The Manawatu semi, while being a spectacle, just wasn't as captivating for me... mainly because it was so one sided. I'm a hard man to please I guess even if I aged 10 years during last nights game.

3. I haven't seen the game on TV but, at the ground , the game plan seemed odd. Too much kicking (especially in the first half) and not enough use of the strike power out wide.

4. Good on them for holding out at the end ! Past teams perhaps wouldn't have.

5. I guess we will have to start wondering who will be back next year (and who won't) and who will move to the province. If the rumours are true (and I'm not saying they are) we will be getting Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi for next year which is interesting.

6. Given that we beat three Premier teams and almost beat a couple of others , I think this years team would foot it comfortably in the top division. However we don't know the make up of next years team so things are somewhat uncertain. I think I heard Clayton McMillan say somewhere that it is easier to stay in The Premier Division than it is to get promoted up from the Championship which stands to reason.

7. The Union seems to be in a good position right now with success of age group teams, Development and The Steamers which bodes well for the future.

8. I will miss the NPC .

@Stargazer Excellent reply ! I'm glad you picked up on that deliberate Counties/ Canterbury mistake..

Okay, work is quiet and I must be bored !

Its probably only a couple of weeks till the naming of the Steamers team and maybe a month till preseason games begin so its time to guess who has/hasn’t made the cut. I’m pretty sure the team will be pretty much known in rugby circles but nothing official via the press or BOPRU so I haven’t a clue. With today’s professional era and High Performance groups and Academies operating I’m sure things have been arranged which is unlike the old days when the team naming was a big deal.

Anyway, as mentioned earlier, a large proportion of last years team are still “about” but I’m in the dark as to who is contracted or available. For want of a better way of doing it lets go through them with each position.

HOOKERS:- Last year there was Harris, O’Reilly, Polwart, Royal and Siataga. Five hookers seemed an overkill at the time but given injuries and Harris being away with the AB’s that number was possibly justified. Royal is apparently playing in Auckland and I’m not sure where O’Reily is so a space is maybe there for someone else.

PROPS:- Last year there was Fisihoi, Lay, Ross, Sakalia, Tala’apilaga and Thwaites. Tala’apilaga is the only one gone apparently and his place seems to have been taken by James Lay (Brother of Jordan)

LOCKS:-Last year there was Callendar, Mewett and Rettalick. Rettalick is the only one who I am uncertain of as the other two are still playing locally. Sooner or latter he will have to hang up his boots but he seems to still be performing creditably so I wouldn’t discount him returning. I’m guessing Le'aupepe might be signed as his heir apparent. As we know Franklin has been signed but his huge workload in Super rugby must be taking a toll..Only having three specialist locks is a surprise but the No.6 usually provides cover.

LOOSE FORWARDS:-Last year we had Parette, Axtens, Cane, Blake, Karpik, Stowers, Smith-Wano and Tupe. Well Tupe is gone and I have no idea what Blake is up to so spaces available here. Ardon (the Canadian) has been signed but I am unsure what season he begins playing for us. Mua or possibly even Mabbet-Stowerby could be long shot for selection.

HALF BACKS:- Last year we had Campbell, Toma and Tipuna. I understood Toma was playing in Europe but I see he is turning out for Te Puna in club rugby recently so who knows! Richard Judd has been signed from Counties so expect changes.

FIRST FIVES:- Last year we had Hollinshead and Haimona. Haimona is the only one left. Hollinshead’s replacement is the most eagerly awaited selection as the first five seems to be taking the blame for our misfiring backs. The young Trask (Son of ex BOP Bruce Trask) seems to be talked about as the next in line and I haven’t watched enough local rugby to know who else is putting their hand up.

SECOND FIVE/CENTRE:- Last year we had Hepetema, Foketi, Nicolas and Stanaway. They are all still about but Liam Steel has been signed so someone will be dropped I assume. Garland from Hawkes Bay is also on the scene.

WINGS:- Last year we had Webber, Ioane and Ware who, as far as I am aware, are still on the scene. It will be interesting if they give Masarewa a chance.

FULL BACKS:- Last year we had Fraser, Te Aute and Tiatia. Fraser has gone and my pick is for Robertson-Wepu to replace him who could also cover for first five.

As you’ve probably guessed, I am just as much in the dark as you guys. I have no doubt there will be new signings and changes to personal yet to be announced.

So now its your turn......What changes need to be made? Who should be cut from last year? Anyone know who else has been performing at club level? Have I missed any players?

1. Jordan Lay (1)
2. Nathan Harris (26)
3. James Lay (1)
4. Tom Franklin (2)
5. Keepa Mewett (26) – Captain
6. Hugh Blake (10)
7. Mitchell Karpik (2)
8. Jesse Parete (11)
9. Richard Judd (2)
10. Mike Delany (63) – Vice Captain
11. Joe Webber (2)
12. Terrence Hepetema (9)
13. Lalakai Foketi (20)
14. Monty Ioane (13)
15. Chase Tiatia (16)

Reserves:
16. Liam Polwart (6)
17. Solomona Sakalia (29)
18. Siegfried Fisi’ihoi (30)
19. Culum Retallick (104)
20. Troy Callander (13)
21. Henry Stowers (11)
22. Luke Campbell (6)
23. Liam Steel (1)

This could arguably be our toughest game of the playoffs and I see the TAB doesn't give us a chance...They have been wrong on the two earlier games !

The inclusion of Harris and the dropping of Ardron are the main talking points I guess but I'm somewhat surprised as I thought they would be rotating some players more but I suppose that will occur later on.

Check out the reserve lock.

Bay of Plenty: 1: Aidan Ross 2: Nathan Vella 3: Ross Geldenhuys 4: Aaron Carroll 5: Baden Wardlaw 6: Hugh Blake 7: Ajay Lafaele-Mua 8: Hoani Matenga 9: Richard Judd 10: Kaleb Trask 11: Fa’siu Fuatai 12: Chase Tiatia 13: Mathew Skipwith-Garland 14: Emoni Narawa 15: Cole Forbes
Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Tevita Mafileo, Jeff Thwaites, Tom Franklin, Mitchell Karpik, Leroy Carter, Jason Robertson, Joseva Ravouvou

I saw those figures also Baron.

In reality BOP already have a stadium. Its called Rotorua International Stadium which is an excellent world class venue. Some would argue that the only problem is its in the wrong city. Is Tauranga now the 5th biggest city in New Zealand and still doesn't have a rugby facility like other large cities ?

Like many I would love a suitable stadium in Tauranga but it would open up a whole can of worms like it has when similar stadiums have been built in other cities. The main gripe being....who pays ? In most cases the rate payer foots the bill like they do, for instance, the Battle of Gate Pa comemorations, libraries or pentioner housing. There will always be opposition to where our rates are spent.

The other cripe is how it would be used. My preference would be for a rugby specific ground but truth be known you have to question whether it would get much use. NPC crowds are dwindling horribly over the last few years and given the Rotorua/Tauranga split there wouldn't be many games staged in Tauranga and even smaller stadiums would be emptyish. Given the politics of Super rugby these days and the Hamilton/ New Plymouth power base of the Chiefs I doubt many (if any more) games would be given to the BOP. Rotorua seems to adeqately suit touring Interantional teams where the ground fills up

I guess there is always the Warriors and Pheonix but there are plenty of grounds around the country vying for their games. Special events (like concerts and jet sprints for example) are usually successfully catered for by Baypark.

Don't get me wrong, I agree we need a stadium but we have to accept there will be huge opposition and the place probably wouldn't pay for itself. The obvious choice is at the Domain.

The real problem with those rugby participation figures you stated is how little that flows through to success for the Steamers. With that nursery of talent (particularly Maoris) you have to ask why we are languishing so low on the ladder.

BOP Wasps 38...NZ University 21

Cheers for that Stargazer. You're a wealth of information.

You are correct Ainsley, Polwart and Wardlaw are definitely gone.

The contract situation and NPC availability situation with some players is a tad confusing. I see Keepa Mewett is playing locally and Tom Franklin has appeared on a recent BOPRU promotion. Both, I understood were contracted in Japan so maybe their contracts are finished or possibly they have dispensation to play back here. Someone here will know.

Vella's concussion issues don't look good and I'm not sure where Nathan Harris is ,health wise , these days.

You're also right about about the Sevens players although I think most who are playing locally are contracted to BOP. Reagan Ware I think was with Taranaki.

I see there is a Northland and Hawkes tread so thought I would start one for BOP.

I'm just curious if anyone knows of any comings and goings of players for the coming season. We obviously know of TTT and possibly Otere Black.

I only know of three from last years team who definitely won't be back. There is a group of NZ sevens players playing locally for their clubs and a few players returning from overseas so I assume some will be included in the NPC team.

So, anyone know of new signings ?

I'm curious what everyone thinks on this forum. Given that this virus has messed up all immediate rugby schedules it seems that The NZRU is considering running some sort of rugby latter in the year (if possible).

So, if you were to choose one, which would it be ? Do you want an NPC comp with the top flight players included or the local Super teams in some sort of competition ?

I know there are many unanswered questions like salaries, travel restrictions and competition rules but for the sake of this pole lets ignore them.

The game will be broadcast live on Sky59 pop up Channel at 7pm this Saturday apparently.

Chine Lions/BOP 42.....Samoa 14

I think you might find there are two "Mike Rogers". One is the CEO for the BOPRU and the other is the Assistant Coach for the Steamers. The Assistant Coach is the one coaching the China team. I could be wrong as I never knew there was two but have just checked their home page.

It does seem an odd mixture. Players from Southland, North Harbour and Waikato. Most, of course, are from The Bay but it will be interesting to know if any in the team are fresh signings.

The Bay of Plenty team named to play Taranaki in Round One of the 2020 Chiefs Country Centurion Cup this Saturday:

1. Toni Toia
2. Nic Souchon
3. Nico Andeweil
4. Michael Allardice
5. Stan Van Den Hoven
6. Joe Johnston (VC)
7. Kohan Herbert
8. Abraham Papalii
9. Leroy Carter
10. Dan Hollinshead (C)
11. Joe Ravouvou
12. Seamus Bardoul
13. Dennon Robinson
14. Declan Barnett
15. Tiaan Falcon

Reserves:
16. Pou Sorenson
17. Chris Hemi
18. Benet Kumeroa
19. Iosefa Maloney
20. Kaydin Budd
21. Gordie Lloyd
22. Dylan Nel
23. Te Aihe Toma
24. Cassius Misa
25. Taniela Filimone
26. Pierre Pili/Faa’siu Fuatai

This worth a listen. They talk to the BOPRU CEO about the number of Super players in the squad next year, TTT and Rapid rugby.

https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/plenty-of-steam/e/65036094?autoplay=true

@bayimports You're right. By far and away the bulk of club players in the Steamers come from The Western Bay although I don't know what the exact beakdown is. Its always been a "bone of contention" from Rotorua clubs that more of their players aren't selected but the fact of the matter is that Western Bay Clubs are better at recruiting. I don't think however that is the reason for the difference in crowd numbers. Theres probably several reasons.

1. The demographics of Rotorua and Tauranga are totally different. Tauranga seems to be older and possibly more affluent.

2. Rotorua is burdened with night games which aren't much fun when its cold, and hence the low crowd numbers. Its easier to get a crowd for a day game although I'm sure Tauranga day game crowds would still be bigger than Rotorua day time crowds.

At the end of the day it doesn't really matter as Rotorua is the only place with lights so it gets all night games. The BOPRU has however given Tauranga three games this year which was one more than last year. I personally would love a stadium with lights at Tauranga with all games there but I doubt that will never happen.