Monty Ioane key Steamers weapon for Mitre 10 Cup semifinal

Monty Ioane admits he misses his partner and young children who are in Australia. PHOTO/FILE

If a Mitre 10 Cup form team was selected ahead of this weekend's semifinals it would have to include Monty Ioane.

The outstanding Bay of Plenty Steamers speedster has been one of the best right wingers of the competition and, like his teammates, the 22-year-old seems to be getting better as the season progresses.

With tomorrow afternoon's home semifinal against Otago at Tauranga Domain looming the Steamers have momentum on their side.

Ioane's ability to turn defence into attack and cut the best defensive lines to bits - as he did so decisively last Saturday against Waikato - will be a key threat against Otago.

But what makes Australia-born Ioane's consistent form even more impressive is how he has managed to play so well despite seriously missing his partner and two children, a 1-year-old and a 1-month-old.

They are back in Australia and Ioane admits it is tough not being with them. It is clearly emotional for him talking about it.

"At times it gets quite depressing. It is quite tough on my partner as well because she is trying to deal with the two kids who are so close in age," he said.

"It is hard because I am trying to train and do my own thing and focus on the rugby but I have a family to focus on as well."

Bay of Plenty head coach Clayton McMillan is well aware of the sacrifice Ioane has made to be with the Steamers this season.

"We are happy to accommodate him going home mid-season for the birth of his baby, although it was a little bit late," McMillan said.

"What he brings to the team is 100 per cent commitment and a hell of a lot of energy which the boys feed off. He is an outstanding member of the team really."

Ioane is part of a potent attacking force including midfielders Lalakai Foketi and Terrence Hepetema, who he played against in high school in Australia. They have built a good understanding with winger Joe Webber and fullback Chase Tiatia.

On Wednesday night Ioane won the Bayleys Steamers Back of the Year award at the team prizegiving.

"I am quite happy with how I have been going but to be honest I could not be pulling off what I am doing at the moment if it wasn't for the boys. I feel I can still do a lot better," Ioane said.

Ioane has a Samoan father and Fijian mother so has international rugby options but playing for the Wallabies is his long-term goal.

However, that is not his concern this week. Beating Otago and making the final against either Wellington or Northland, who play Friday night, is all he is focused on.

"We are definitely confident. The boys are up, training awesome and we have been going well, so there is no need to put ourselves under pressure. We know it is definitely an important game but we can't let that get to our heads.

"We just need to stick to what we know and stick to our game plan and hopefully that will come off.

"I am excited to hear the Tauranga Domain crowd go wild again."