Peter White: Log o' Wood beckons as Steamers take right path

Bay of Plenty's Glen Jackson celebrates winning the Ranfurly Shield at Eden Park in 2004.PHOTO/FILE

Bay of Plenty Steamers put their fans through an emotional roller-coaster on Saturday when they took on the star-studded Auckland side in Rotorua.

With just last week's win over North Harbour to show from the opening five games of the ITM Cup season, expectations were muted throughout the Bay of a repeat of the 37-16 hiding given out to Auckland at the same ground in 2012.

But in the opening 40 minutes, the Steamers rocked Auckland with the sort of aggressive defence and ferocity that made teams fear playing the Bay. The Aucks looked like they were still enjoying the bus ride down, as they trailed 12-0 at halftime, and with an ounce of luck it could have been a bigger margin.

But this Auckland team is making second-half comebacks their trademark. Last week they trailed Wellington at Eden Park 30-6 at the break, then rattled on 25 unanswered points to win 31-30, and they put 27 on the Steamers on Saturday to win 27-12.

What was apparent in both games is that Auckland has a wealth of talent neither Wellington nor Bay of Plenty come close to matching. But despite what the ITM Championship table says, I am happier with this season than last. Clearly there is now a progressive plan in place to pick local players rather than buying in a quick-fix team of over-priced journey men. We have had enough of that.

If this group of players can keep together next season, and some money can be found to buy an elite first-five, then there is hope for the future. Imagine if young first-fives Dan Hollinshead and Te Aihe Toma had someone like Lima Sopoaga or Gareth Anscombe to learn from.

This week forget the ITM Cup - it is all about the Ranfurly Shield. The Steamers have their first challenge in 10 years, since their one and only successful challenge against Auckland in 2004. Hawke's Bay are hardly Canterbury and are very beatable.

There is no conspiracy theory involved with Bay of Plenty not having a challenge in 10 years and Otago having two this season. It is just the vagaries of the draw.

For the players, coaching staff and supporters of Bay rugby, Saturday will be a special day.

And in case you were wondering, if the Steamers do take the Log o' Wood off the Magpies, they will defend it at Baypark against Northland on Thursday, September 25, before Otago will challenge for the third time this season the following Saturday.

Something to think about at 3am when sleep is as elusive as Bay winger Tino Nemani.