Bay primed for trip to the Big Smoke

After spending a month locked in the lower echelon of the Air New Zealand Cup, Bay of Plenty's season is set to explode into life.

The Steamers, 27-16 victors over Manawatu on Thursday, have booked a quarterfinal spot against Auckland at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon.

And if you listen to the anorak-wearing train-spotters, they're the form side heading into the top-eight showdowns.

Ignoring the fact the Steamers haven't played a meaningful side since round four -- ironically a 45-27 loss to Auckland -- they've won their past six games.

Only top-seeds Waikato, with five wins and a draw, can rival that record. Auckland have three wins, two losses and a draw, Wellington one loss and Canterbury four wins.

Tenuous as it may be, at least the Bay was given a vote of confidence by Manawatu coach Dave Rennie, who was impressed with Bay's last trip to Eden Park.

"They took Auckland on for 40mins and the good thing about this competition is that it's all on the day," Rennie said. "Once you get to the final eight, you're three games away from winning a championship. Anyone could beat anyone. Bay of Plenty are a good side and they'll lift for those big games."

All Black-laden Auckland's momentum slowed with their 27-22 loss to Canterbury on Saturday night, although there were danger signs as they fought back from 24-6 down at halftime.

They could also feel aggrieved that an injury time try to Tasesa Lavea between the uprights was ruled out by referee Steve Walsh, who decided the transfer to the first-five had gone forward.

Waikato beat North Harbour 31-15 to claim top spot, Wellington beat Otago 21-14 and Southland, despite suffering a 19-12 loss to Northland and becoming the first side to lose in Whangarei since 2002, did enough to sneak into the top eight.

- BAY OF PLENTY TIMES