Log on as shield goes on the line for Taranaki
The Mitre 10 Cup is only a week old and look at the juicy morsels we have got to suck on.
If you love the Ranfurly Shield, clap your eyes on Taranaki’s defence against Manawatu in New Plymouth tomorrow night.
Taranaki certainly got their beans when they lost 30-10 to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua last weekend, but it’s highly unlikely they will be as passive against the Turbos.
Ditto for Canterbury when they host Wellington in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon. The premiership title holders couldn’t match Tasman’s fire and vigour when they lost to them 25-17 in Blenheim. Let’s see if they better that effort in this round.
1. Will Taranaki be gripped by shield fever?
We’ll know more on that score when Manawatu begin their raid for the famous old log at Yarrow Stadium.
Good news: The picturesque ground in New Plymouth is open for business. The east and west stands might be quake-prone, but the locals have found solutions and declared the joint good to go. They will hope their team is revved-up, too. That 30-10 loss to Bay of Plenty in Rotorua last weekend was one to forget.
2. Blimmin’ heck, how good are Tasman?
We already know the answer to that. The 25-17 scoreline after their win over Canterbury in Blenheim doesn’t reflect how good Tasman were. The title holders really struggled to find cracks in the very organised Mako mob’s defence.
It’s now Southland’s turn to receive their medicine at Lansdowne Park.
3. Is the Canterbury-wellington fixture the match of the round?
Nah, the Ranfurly Shield defence is the go-to game of the weekend. But the one in Christchurch will go close. An early kickoff, and a forecast of decent weather helps set the scene for what should be an entertaining event. Especially if unwanted All Black Vaea Fifita can unfold those long legs with the No 6 on his back.
It’s important to shrug off losses in professional rugby, especially in a competition like the Mitre 10 Cup because of the crowded programme, but you can bet Canterbury will still be dark about the way Tasman overwhelmed them.
Expect the Canterbury forwards to be in an unforgiving mood. Early shots will be fired at the newly dubbed Christchurch Stadium.
4. What about Auckland-northland?
The old foes, eh? Remember the days when Northland were dubbed North Auckland and men like the Going brothers, and later the Dunns, cooked up all sorts of magic spells and dazzled the Aucklanders?
If you can’t, no bother. Let’s just say there’s some proud rugby heritage up north. Here’s hoping the Taniwha give the city slickers a hurry up.
5. Ever heard folks griping about Super Rugby games only being played at night?
Yes, quite often: ‘‘Too busy to go out in the dark, the
weather’s too cold . . . If games were during the afternoon, I would be there in a heartbeat,’’ they bleat.
No excuses during this competition. There are heaps of games in the arvo. Get into it!