Rugby: Cane to play for Steamers

Sam Cane is back in the ITM Cup tomorrow night. Photo / Getty

Sam Cane will get a run out for the Bay of Plenty Steamers tomorrow night, with the All Black flanker being named in the Bay of Plenty side to take on Southland.

Cane, who has played 17 times for Bay of Plenty, is the star man on show in the clash tomorrow at Mount Maunganui's ASB Baypark Stadium.

He will link up with Chiefs teammate Johan Bardoul in the loose forward trio as he looks to get some game-time under his belt before the Rugby World Cup begins.

The match will be also be Steamers loose forward Joe Tupe's blazer match (15 games).

Bay of Plenty Head coach Clayton McMillan said: "The team have recovered well following a tough match away to Tasman, and are looking forward to playing at home again in front of our supporters."

"Southland are a quality side known for their experienced forwards, but they have showcased in their first few games an ability and willingness to attack out wide, so we will need to be out our best to get a positive outcome."

Southland won't have the services of All Black first-five Lima Sopoaga, but can call upon the class of Elliot Dixon, Josh Bekhuis and Jamie Mackintosh. They will give a debut to teenage halfback Liam Howley.

Culum Retallick and Carl Axtens will co-captain tomorrow's Steamers team, kicking off at 7.35pm.

Bay Of Plenty:Te Rangi Fraser, Tino Nemani, Lalakai Foketi, Caleb Hall, Chase Tiatia, Nick Evemy, Jono Kitto, Carl Axtens, Sam Cane, Johan Bardoul, Culum Retallick, Keepa Mewett, Pingi Tala'apitaga, Nathan Harris, Solomona Sakalia

Reserves: Sabastian Siataga, Siegfried Fisi'ihoi, Jeff Thwaites, Tim Bond, Joe Tupe, Te Aihe Toma, Dan Hollinshead, Whaimotu Craft-Chemis

Southland: Junior Ngaluafe, Lolohea Loco, Keiran Moffat, Willis Halaholo, Tauasosi Tuimavave, Ash Moeke, Liam Howley, Bill Fukofuka, Tim Boys, Elliot Dixon, Michael Stewart, Josh Bekhuis, Guy Millar, Dillan Halaholo, Jamie Mackintosh

Reserves: David Hall, Reuben Northover, Morgan Mitchell, Joel Everson, Alex Taylor, Scott Eade, James Schrader, Keanu Kahukura

- Additional reporting NZ Herald