Two wins from their opening four games means the Bay of Plenty Steamers are well placed on the ITM Championship table ahead of tomorrow's crossover clash with ITM Premiership side Counties Manukau Steelers in Pukekohe.
Unbeaten Hawke's Bay and Wellington have cleared away in the Championship to take hold of the two home semifinal berths at this stage, with Steamers in third place just ahead of Southland and Otago. The two southern teams are the biggest threat to the Steamers' chances of making the semifinals.
The Steamers' two losses have been to top Premiership sides Tasman and Waikato, balanced against two comfortable wins against Championship rivals Southland and North Harbour.
Losses are inevitable in a compressed competition like the ITM Cup but, for a promotion hungry team like the Steamers, the key is not to lose to teams in the same division.
After last Sunday's 43-10 loss to Waikato, the Steamers have had seven days to get over some injuries and take stock of what needs urgent improvement.