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Mean Tat: Sonny Bill Williams playing for Canterbury Metro - Source: Photosport
Canterbury v Bay of Plenty, 7:35pm in Christchurch
Last clash: Bay of Plenty Canterbury 19 - 17 in Mt Maunganui (Round 6, 2009)
TAB: Hawke's Bay $1.15, Bay of Plenty $5.00
Here's a conspiracy theory for you: In order for the NZRU to feel like they are getting their money's worth from Sonny Bill Williams, the All Blacks selected Colin Slade knowing that Stephen Brett would then slot in at first-five for Canterbury tonight, thus freeing up a spot in their 22 for SBW to finally get on the paddock.
Far-fetched perhaps but for many rugby observers it feels like some six weekends in the ITM Cup is truly about to start as the most speculated man in rugby is hours away from setting foot on the hallowed turf of Lancaster Park.
The more cynical punters will probably shrug and say Canterbury (and the All Blacks) don't need Williams. After all, the Red and Blacks were back to their blistering best last Saturday night, destroying arch rivals Auckland with some scintillating first half footy.
Equally notable additions to Rob Penney's back-to-back champion side include Test lock Sam Whitelock and fellow All Black Owen Franks. Slade's deserved international call-up sees Brett operate at first-five while Luke Romano - outstanding against Auckland - reverts to the bench as Whitelock partners Isaac Ross.
But if one team won't worry about facing superstars and national heroes it's Canterbury's opposition, Bay of Plenty. On this very same weekend last year the Steamers were written off by all as Canterbury stacked their team with returning All Blacks. The two-point victory was just as sweet as the moral victory for Bay of Plenty that night.
Directing the Steamers magnificently on that occasion was Mike Delany and his return from injury in last week's win over North Harbour will have Bay supporters confident that their three losses in the opening five rounds are a thing of the past.
For Canterbury's three superstars the Bay welcome three debutants into their 22; Dan Perrin, Tristan Moran and Luke Katene. The other change from the side that blitzed Harbour in the second half last week sees Ben Smith replace the injured wing Jason Hona.
Key: There are a couple of mouth-watering head-to-heads to savour tonight with Colin Bourke and Nasi Manu two of the better ball-running Number 8s in the ITM Cup. But hat-trick hero Lelia Masaga's battle with new sensation Telusa Veainu on the wing should be as enjoyable as an Olympic 100 metre final.
Verdict: Canterbury
Canterbury: Sean Maitland, Tu Umaga-Marshall, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Telusa Veainu, Stephen Brett, Andy Ellis; Nasi Manu, George Whitelock (captain), Matt Todd, Isaac Ross, Sam Whitelock, Owen Franks, Corey Flynn, Wyatt Crockett
Reserves: Steve Fualau, Peter Borlase, Luke Romano, Ash Parker, Takerei Norton, Sam Monaghan, Sonny Bill Williams
Bay of Plenty: Toby Arnold, Lelia Masaga, Brett Mather, Phil Burleigh, Ben Smith, Mike Delany, Taniela Moa; Colin Bourke (captain), Tanerau Latimer, Luke Braid, Culum Retallick, Luke Andrews, James McGougan, Dan Perrin, Josh Hohneck
Reserves: Simon Chisholm, Tristan Moran, Luke Katene, Sam Cane, Chad Tuoro, Dan Waenga, Jason Hona
