Canterbury target Log o’ Wood
The lesser-known Payne Trophy is back on display at Canterbury rugby headquarters and now the focus is on lifting the famed Ranfurly Shield, an iconic symbol of the provincial game last seen at Rugby Park in 2011.
Although Canterbury has racked up seven national provincial championship titles in eight seasons, the defending champions have not held the Log o’ Wood since Southland triumphed at Christchurch’s alternative ground for the earthquakedamaged Lancaster Park.
Since the end of Canterbury’s 14th tenure they have had only one challenge – an 18-9 loss to Taranaki in 2012 – so Canterbury coach Scott Robertson made no attempt to downplay the significance of Wednesday’s clash with Waikato.
‘‘Putting it in context, it’s not really just another game. It’s a game with a lot of history,’’ said Robertson, who had contrasting memories of Shield raids to Hamilton.
The loose forward was a member of the Canterbury team that lost in 1998, two years later their win at the old Rugby Park initiated a reign that spanned 24 defences until 2003.
Robertson said while the words ‘‘Ranfurly’’ and ‘‘Shield’’ were banned in the lead-up to Saturday’s 45-34 Mitre 10 Cup win over Otago, it is now a necessary discussion point for a squad dominated by players with no previous experience with the legendary trophy.
‘‘I think you have to understand the history, and how hard it is to win,’’ he said, as Canterbury face the second leg of a three-game stretch in nine days.
‘‘They have to understand the emotional side behind it, and how much it means to the local people. Just explaining and understanding that …. the great eras that have been before.’’
Robertson admitted the Shield has been marginalised to a degree as provincial rugby’s appeal diminishes but he still expected Waikato to play as ‘‘brutal’’ as their predecessors in 1998.
‘‘It’s not quite the packed out stadiums that it used to bring, but the level of intensity [on the field] is definitely is still there.’’
Canterbury, who returned to the top of the Premiership table after a seven tries to four victory at AMI Stadium, will be favoured to end Waikato’s tenure, last weekend’s loss to Manawatu emphasised that no team is unbeatable. Inspired by captain Luke Whitelock’s 50th appearance – and desperation to make amends for that shock loss in Palmerston North – Canterbury built a 38-13 lead before personnel changes and Otago’s determination ultimately enabled the visitors to collect a four-try bonus point in the final minute.
Wales-bound wing Johnny McNicholl – a stand out for Canterbury with a try, assist and a clean break for the opening five-pointer – played off the bench when Southland won 22-19 and was excited about the opportunity to avenge that defeat before he joins the Llanelli-based Scarlets.
‘‘I’ve never challenged for the Shield. I was out injured when we had the last one against Taranaki. I’m pumped for it already.
‘‘Leading up to this game we didn’t speak about it out, now it’s right at the front of my mind,’’ he said.
Robertson is concentrating on his first challenge as a coach, with midfielder Rob Thompson’s knee injury a prime concern.
Jordie Barrett is in contention to shift from fullback to his preferred position though he was exposed defensively in midfield as Teihorangi Walden, one of Thompson’s midfield rivals at the Highlanders, was impressive off the bench alongside Matt Faddes.
Robertson also has the usual conundrum over the make-up of his back three as wings Nathan Earle, George Bridge, Marshall Suckling and McNicholl vie for game time when the team departs on Tuesday.
‘‘I’ve never challenged for the Shield. I was out injured when we had the last one against Taranaki. I’m pumped for it already.’’ Canterbury wing Johnny McNicholl