The Bay of Plenty Steamers have next season's ITM Cup destiny in their own hands when they travel to Nelson to play Tasman on Thursday.
With two games to play, the Steamers are locked in a race with Waikato and Hawkes Bay - who both have three fixtures left - to avoid relegation from the Premiership to the Championship for next year.
While currently sitting in fifth place, a Steamers victory in the South Island would be vital to retaining their ITM Cup Premiership place for next season.
Steamers' assistant coach John Walters said their side were expecting a big challenge from Tasman and said Bay of Plenty had been well served by their Super Rugby contingent this year.
"Tanerau Latimer stepped in to lead the team when Jamie Nutbrown was injured with a seamless transition of the skippers mantle taking place. Tanerau has given everything for the team continuing to lead from the front game after game," Walters said.
"Our other Super players of Leon Power, Kenny Lynn and Lelia Masaga have fronted week after week since the season start against Taranaki."
BOP: Nick McCashin, Lelia Masaga, Kenny Lynn, Mafi Kefu, Lance Macdonald, Chris Noakes, Lewis Hancock, Carl Axtens, Tanerau Latimer (captain), Jesse Acton, Leon Power, Dan Goodwin, Josh Hohneck, John Pareanga, Greg Pleasants-Tate. Reserves: Nathan Harris, Mike Kainga, Keepa Mewett, Matt Clutterbuck, Jamie Nutbrown, Simon Rolleston, Jack Wilson
