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Home / Northern Advocate / Sport

Steamers need this one: Kefu

Northern Advocate
12 Aug, 2011 04:00 AM2 mins to read

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HE HAS Tongan heritage but played international rugby for Australia - so there's no denying Steve Kefu has a rich tapestry of colour flowing through his veins.
Now the midfielder has added the blue and gold of the Bay of Plenty Steamers to the mix and he said he was proud of it.
Kefu lines up for his fifth start in Bay colours in what he is calling the most important game of the season.
The Steamers take on an in-form Hawke's Bay side who sit second in the ITM Cup Championship.
The Bay of Plenty Union are using tomorrow's game as the feature match for their centenary celebrations and Kefu said it had been an important part of the team's build-up.
"We spoke about it [at training], on the occasion. I think we know how big this is," he said. "We need to win this if we want to have a shot at the finals and stay on top. I'd say it's the most important match of the year. The boys are looking confident and we can't wait to get into them."
Kefu who made his test debut against Wales in 2001, played six tests before moving to Britain to join London Wasps.
He said despite leaving his wife and two children in Australia, he was enjoying playing for the Bay.
"Its been brilliant, I've fallen in really nicely [in the Bay culture]. It suits me down to a T. Actually, it's pretty relaxed, laidback, and I'm enjoying it ..."
The 31-year-old has been impressed with the talent on display in the competition.
"The pace is a lot quicker ... There are a lot more skill levels involved in New Zealand compared with the UK. So I'm just trying to find my feet with these young guys to keep up with them."
Steamers coach Sean Horan has made only one change from the 23-man squad who lost to Taranaki on Tuesday.
Ben Smith has been rested this week, with Jason Hona moved to the left wing to make room for Kefu.
Horan is waiting until the last possible moment to make a decision on in-form lock Culum Retallick, who went off injured against Taranaki.
Retallick has been bracketed with Leon Power.
The Bay of Plenty Rugby Union are expecting as many as 10,000 people to attend the game at the Rotorua International Stadium tomorrow. Kickoff is at 5.35pm.

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