Rugby: Steamers lose pre-season match

Bay of Plenty Steamers player Leroy van Dam

The Bay of Plenty Steamers have lost their final pre-season match 21-19 to Counties Manukau.

The Steamers played Counties at Rugby Park in Whakatane today.

It took the visiting Ranfurly Shield holders until the 70th minute to take the lead.

The Steamers will now prepare for their ITM Cup opener against Southland in Invercargill next Friday.

The Steamers won their opening pre-season match 35-0 last week in Rotorua against Hawke's Bay.