Rugby: Schuler will know more after tonight

Kevin Schuler

Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Kevin Schuler will have some tough decisions to make after two matches tonight against the Chiefs and Harlequins.

Schuler named 29 players to play 40 minutes against the Chiefs, followed by 40 minutes against the Harlequins (the Waikato squad) tonight in Matamata.

It is the last trial before the Steamers name their squad on Monday night for the upcoming ITM Cup season.

Schuler said he was pleased with the quality and depth in the squad named for the matches in Matamata.

"There are a couple of players who were injured and missed the first trial, so Jesse Acton in the loose and Nick Evemy in the midfield come back in," Schuler said. "We also had a few injuries from Wednesday's trial, so there are a few changes.

"The Chiefs will present a far greater test for our defence in the high-tempo game that they will try and play. Of particular interest for us is the midfield, first-five, loose forwards and outside backs.

"We have our four contracted props, two of them in Super Rugby, but we will look to develop David Smart and Ziggy Fisiihoi and bring them through as well.

"It is highly likely we may not have Kane Hames and Mike Kainga until after the ITM Cup starts, so there will definitely be a need for some front row depth.

"There are provincial contracts available and eight wider training squad contracts. The good thing for us is there are benefits to a good bunch of players on the back of playing well in the trials. From the academy and high performance squad, we have got Danny Kayes [Mount Maunganui] in there in the midfield/outside backs, Tim O'Malley from Greerton at first-five, second-five and Te Puke first-five Dan Hollinshead, who has been playing Chiefs development this year.

"Aidan Ross [Te Puke] is on stand-by in the front row and he will be training with us, as is Tyrone Lefau [Greerton]. So there is a good mix of those guys still in the running, plus Matty Axtens [Mount Maunganui] having another run at seven, who has been involved in our system."