Bay of Plenty Steamers completed an unbeaten pre-season campaign with a pleasing 22-21 victory away to Auckland this afternoon.
Sure it was not an official game but any win over Auckland is meritorious, and there was much to like about the Steamers tenacity on defence against a side full of Super Rugby talent.
Flanker Henry Stowers opened the scoring for Bay of Plenty with a try before two quick tries had Auckland ahead 14-5. Isaac Te Aute replied but Auckland went over again to lead 21-10 at the break.
The second half scoring was dominated by the Steamers with a try to Chase Tiatia closing the gap to 21-10 before in the final play of the game halfback Te Aihe Toma scored right on fulltime. Dan Hollinshead converted from wide out to secure the victory.
Steamers assistant coach Rodney Gibbs says "it was definitely a step up from last week against Northland which was ideal really and just what we needed".