Fans urged to get behind Steamers in semi-final bid

Fans are urged to get down to Rotorua International Stadium to support the Bay of Plenty Steamers on Saturday

Rotorua's rugby fans are being urged to show their support for the Steamers in what will hopefully be their first visit to the city this season.

Should the Steamers get into the semifinals of the ITM Cup, the Rotorua International Stadium will be the host venue, but Bay of Plenty Rugby Union spokeswoman Amanda Thompson said the team needed the city's backing when they meet Taranaki on Saturday.

"The Steamers are further down the table at the moment but there's every chance they can host a semifinal," she said.

"The team are trying to get that for Rotorua. Rotorua is a fantastic stadium."

The Steamers will be visiting schools and getting out and about in the community to drum up extra support in the days leading up to the game.

Ms Thompson said the team, which features a number of Rotorua-based players, loved coming to Rotorua.

"We've gone to each area and Rotorua is the next on the list so we'd encourage the community to come out.

"I know the boys really enjoy playing there. Some are from Rotorua and they want to play at their true home."

The curtain-raiser to Saturday's game is the first match of three between the All Blacks Sevens and Australian Sevens.

The aim of the three-day series is to provide match practice leading up to the 2016 Rio Olympics.

-There are four other Sevens matches open to the public and free to watch. They are all at the Rotorua International Stadium and are Sunday at 1.30pm and 6pm, and on Monday at 3pm and 7pm.