Gary Hamilton-Irvine: Time to step back, consider new ideas

Steamers' winger Tino Nemani is red carded on Saturday. Photo / Duncan Brown

Are the Bay of Plenty Steamers running out of ideas?

That's what it looked like to me on Saturday afternoon during their Ranfurly Shield match in Napier.

Despite plenty of heart, they hardly threatened Hawke's Bay in the windy conditions at McLean Park, going down 36-17.

One section of play that really caught my attention came in the second half.

After little success kicking the ball into the wind, and after being frustrated by a lack of possession, the Bay of Plenty Steamers resorted to trying to run the ball out of their 22m zone.

They went upwards of 20 phases trying to run the ball out of danger.

But as they struggled to gain metres, it seemed there was no plan B. It was inevitable a turnover was coming and, sure enough, they coughed up the ball.

Hawke's Bay flier Ryan Tongia scooped up the pill and raced away 70m to score.

For me, the Steamers looked like a team in need of some new ideas.

The coaching staff and players will tell you they are improving and growing as a team each week, learning to trust in each other in defence and trust the structures put in place.

But when do you draw the line and say 'this isn't working'?

There is still three games to go this season for the Steamers but if nothing changes maybe it's time for some new ideas at the Bay of Plenty Steamers.

• The Steamers next match will be played on Thursday night at Baypark Stadium in Tauranga against Northland.