Rugby: Steamers have too much for Stags

All Blacks flanker Sam Cane had a powerful game for Bay of Plenty against Southland at ASB Baypark last night. Photo / George Novak

Bay of Plenty Steamers impressed with a 26-10 win over the Southland Stags in a key ITM Championship match played in ideal conditions at ASB Baypark last night.

The Steamers have now won two of their opening three matches of the season, with Sunday's clash against Waikato at Tauranga Domain looming as the next challenge in a promising start to this year's campaign. All Blacks flanker Sam Cane made a rare start for the Steamers in the pack, alongside 2014 All Black hooker Nathan Harris, with both players outstanding.

Steamers first-five Nick Evemy had four kickable penalty shots for goal in the opening 13 minutes, nailing just two for a 6-0 lead as the Steamers totally dominated the early stages.

Form winger Chase Tiatia would have scored if his speculative kick ahead had stayed in near the Stags corner flag. Evemy missed another easy chance before he slotted his third to put the Steamers 9-0 up.

Southland's Ash Moeke reduced the gap to 9-3 with his first attempt and despite a wealth of possession, the Steamers were unable to extend their lead by the halftime break with inaccuracy the major problem.

Coach Clayton McMillan reacted to the inaccuracy by changing his inside backs at the break, with Dan Hollinshead replacing Evemy at 10 and Te Aihe Toma taking over at halfback for Jono Kitto. Baypark's fickle breeze freshened nicely during the break to give the Steamers an added boost in the second 40.

Hollinshead increased the Steamers' lead with an early penalty but the Stags roared back into the game with a well taken try by No 8 Billy Fukofuka.

Moeke converted to cut the Steamers lead to 12-10 but it lasted one minute, as from the kick-off fullback Te Rangi Fraser kicked ahead and won a 50m sprint to the line for a superb individual try.

Hollinshead slotted the conversion from touch to regain the nine point margin. Tiatia then showed his ability to sniff out a half chance by grabbing the ball 55m out and outpacing the Stags for a memorable try.

Hollinshead converted to stretch the Steamers' lead to 26-10 with 15 minutes to play and they comfortably held on for a well-deserved win.

Bay of Plenty Steamers 26 (Te Rangi Fraser, Chase Tiatia try; Dan Hollinshead 2 cons, pen; Nick Evemy 3 pens) Southland Stags 10 (Billy Fukofuka try; Ash Moeke con, pen)