Two youthful Bay of Plenty starting 15s have been named for the "game of three halves" pre-season hit-out against Manawatu and Wanganui in Taihape tonight.
Bay of Plenty Steamers coach Clayton McMillan was excited to offer the opportunity to four Bay of Plenty Academy players to battle it out alongside his senior players.
"We look forward to the game against Wanganui and Manawatu. With club finalists and Super Rugby players absent for this game, it is an opportunity for those sitting on the fringe to stake a claim for selection to the Steamers."
McMillan said the team included four academy players who get an opportunity to rub shoulders with the senior players.
"We hope a small taste at this level will have a lasting impression on them and leave them wanting more."
Bay of Plenty XV v Wanganui:
1. Solomona Sakalia
2. Miracle Lalofi
3. Josh Davey
4. Baden Wardlaw
5. Stan Van Den Hoven
6. Matt Axtens
7. Kaipo Brown
8. Ajay Mua
9. Leroy Carter
10. Kaleb Trask
11. Pryor Collier
12. Matt Garland
13. Dennon Robinson
14. Josh Honey
15. Bailey Simonsson
Bay of Plenty XV v Manawatu:
1. Tom McHugh
2. Valentine Meachen
3. James Lay
4. Baden Wardlaw
5. Aaron Carroll
6. Tanerau Latimer
7. Hugh Blake
8. Hoani Matenga
9. Leroy Carter
10. Kaleb Trask
11. Matt Garland
12. Terrence Hepetema
13. Liam Steele
14. Faasiu Fuatai
15. Bailey Simonsson
