Rugby: Guildford suspension boost for winger

Shannan Chase

SHANNAN CHASE reckoned it wouldn't have felt right to receive his Magpies blazer after last weekend's loss to Canterbury.

"It will be better to receive it after a win. Hopefully the boys will bounce back this week because we were pretty disappointed with our performance in Christchurch. I'm sure we will bounce back well," winger Chase said as he pondered today's sixth-round ITM Cup clash at Napier's McLean Park against the Bay of Plenty Steamers which doubles as a Ranfurly Shield defence.

"The kid from Otane", as Chase was labelled after his memorable Magpies debut against Otago last year, clocked up 1000 minutes as a Magpie in the 29-14 loss to Canterbury and this qualifies him for his blazer which he will be presented with at today's after-match function after his 17th first-class game for the hosts. Substitute outside back Robbie Fruean will also receive his if he completes 21 minutes off the pine.

Chase, 23, has enjoyed being a regular member of the team this season compared with last year when he was called in five games into the ITM Cup campaign. He hasn't worked in the boning room of Takapau's Silver Fern Farms freezing works since the club rugby season.

"My body is in better shape because I completed all the pre-season stuff. I'm a full-time rugby player now and I'm happy to be living my rugby dream," Chase said.

With former All Black winger Zac Guildford receiving a four-game suspension after a dangerous tackle in the win against Counties-Manukau, Chase has received more minutes than he anticipated.

"It was pretty unfortunate for Zac but it has been quite good for me in terms of getting game time."

Chase can't be accused of not making the most of his opportunities. His try against Canterbury was one of two he has scored in cup games to date and he dotted down once in each of the three shield defences against Heartland opponents earlier this season.

Add these to the five he scored in eight cup appearances last year and it's not surprising some pundits are tipping him to secure a Super Rugby contract before the end of the year. Although the Havelock North club player isn't looking that far ahead.

"I'm just trying to focus on playing well for Hawke's Bay and doing my part for the team. Obviously it is a long-term goal I would like to achieve and one of the reasons I'm doing well is because the Super players inside me like Horrell, Buckman and West are creating time and space for me and I'm enjoying the ride."

Chase pointed out plenty of research has been done on the Steamers and he said it was crucial the Magpies negate the impact the tough Steamers pack can have on the game.

"They've also got some elusive backs like former Magpie Tino Nemani who boasts Super Rugby experience. They have to be marked closely. Being back at home will be great ... you can't beat our home crowd," Chase said.

His clubmate Ihaia West could move into second place on the list of Magpies Ranfurly Shield points scorers if he scores more than 18 points today. West has scored 126 points in shield games.

The late Bert Grenside scored 144 while Ian Bishop holds the Magpies record for the most points in shield games with 178.

Twelve months ago the Steamers were beaten 36-17 by the Magpies in their last challenge for the shield when the visitors got carried away with the emotion of the occasion. Nemani was red-carded in that clash and will no doubt be eager to make amends.

Steamers head coach Clayton McMillan is in his first season at the helm but he challenged unsuccessfully for the Log o'Wood four times in his 113 games as a Steamers player. So he knows all about getting the players at the right emotional levels.

"We are not trying to glorify the situation, but it is a unique opportunity and one that does not often come a rugby player's way," McMillan said.

Steamers fullback Chase Tiatia has been in hot form. Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris, captain and lock Culum Retallick and No8 Joe Tupe are all capable forwards who can't be given too much freedom.