Rugby: McMillan optimistic for 2015 season

Te Puna's second five, Terrence Hepetema, who has played for both the Warratahs and Leicester Tigers, in action for Wasps against Cavaliers in Katikati. Photo / John Borren

Bay of Plenty Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan is optimistic that 2015 will be a better season after his latest chance to run the rule over potential Steamers.

McMillan was on hand to see the Wasps, made up of contracted players and those that have been performing well through the club season, defeat a similar squad from Counties Manukau under the Cavaliers flag, coached by Tana Umaga.

Te Puke Sports Jono Kitto opened the scoring after taking a smart pass from centre Tino Nemani of Greerton Marist.

The loss of lock Keepa Mewett to an ankle injury in the 17th minute and Tim Bond to the sin bin didn't interrupt the Wasps' game. Wingers Brynn Uriarau and Jonah Bainavalu crossed while the side was down to 14.

Bainavalu's try came off a pass from Shahn Eru who has returned after playing for Italian club Petrarca Padova.

His Te Puna teammate Terrence Hepetema, who has played for the New South Wales Warratahs and Leicester Tigers in England, was also in the Wasps starting lineup.

The fourth try of the half was from Rotoiti's Zak Hohneck.

Tauranga's Nick Evemy converted three of the four touchdowns in the half.

With both coaches making wholesale changes at half-time, Cavaliers found more steel in defence and scored 19 points without reply.

McMillan said the pattern of the game reflected the changes made.

"We probably had a little bit more experience on the field in the first half and that was probably reflected in a slightly more dominant performance, whereas they had their experience on in the second half and that's probably why they played a lot better."

After a trial game in Rotorua, McMillan said the Wasps v Cavaliers game served its purpose.

"There were some things from a team performance that we wanted to see improvements in from the trial, but we've got to be realistic about that too because they've only had one training together.

"Some of our younger guys probably also learned a few things about what it's like to play at the next level."

He said the first half defensive attitude was probably the most pleasing aspect of the game. "We put in some good tackles, there was a lot of resolve there, and a lot of pride in our line, so for me that was probably the most positive thing."

McMillan has taken a lot from the trial and the Wasps game. "I think we're tracking really well. We're really happy with where the strength and conditioning are at.

"The attitude has been really great, the guys are really committed and understand that at some point they need to make some mental shifts and when that happens we are going to get better results - so from that perspective I'm really happy with the way we're tracking.

"That's all going to help when we start to solidify the group and get together full time. I'm certainly optimistic we will have a much better season."

The Steamers team will be named ahead of two ITM Cup pre-season matches against Auckland on July 31 in Whakatane, and Manawatu on August 6 in Tauranga.