Jason Long savours Ranfurly Shield moments with mother Fiona.
Jason Long savours Ranfurly Shield moments with mother Fiona.
Magpies v Wairarapa-Bush Ranfurly Shield Challenge
It is a romantic notion countless underdogs harbour regardless of the staggering odds.
Consequently Hawke's Bay Magpies coach Craig Philpott is not under any illusions that Wairarapa-Bush will be spoiling for a fight today when his troops run out at McLean Park, Napier, in their first defence of the Ranfurly Shield this winter.
Craig Philpott
"I'll be disappointed if they didn't," Philpott said before the 2.35pm kick-off between his premiership-seeking ITM Cup warriors and the Heartland Championship campaigners.
"It'll be their opportunity on the big stage and to feature on TV so I'll be surprised if they don't throw everything at us and we're expecting that."
Last night Wairarapa-Bush coach Josh Syms endorsed Philpott's sentiments, emphasising the visitors were not leaving Masterton early this morning "just to be part of a game".
Josh Syms
In fact, Syms knows well the etiquette surrounding the Log o' Wood in New Zealand.
His father, Dave Syms, was "lucky enough" to win the shield with Auckland in the 1970s.
"He was also unlucky enough to lose it a couple of times, including to Manawatu in the 1970s," said the younger Syms, whose father stressed the need to treat the symbol of provincial rugby supremacy with utmost respect today.
To add spice to their challenge, All Black legend Sir Brian Lochore yesterday presented jerseys to each player and reiterated similar passion regardless of their communal existence against provincial favouritism.
"BJ spoke to the boys and he was fantastic."
For Philpott the Manawatu Evergreens match about a month ago served as the trials for anyone who wanted to push their way into his Super Rugby-heavy equation in this year's national provincial championship.
Today it is about the best players in the Bay while his trump cards are not available because of the Super Rugby final or on international duties with the All Blacks and Maori All Blacks.
It is something the Magpies stable has anticipated since the shield dates were announced not long after the end of last year's campaign to add some zest to grassroots existence and club pride.
The weather is likely to play some part but Philpott is keen to see his players adhere to their expansive style with former All Black Zac Guildford calling the shots at fullback after his return from France.
"It'll be Zac's first hit out because he wasn't allowed to play under Clermont's [Clermont Auvergne] contract until July 1," he said, mindful players such as Mason Emerson, Jonah Lowe and Shannan Chase will feed off him.
Halfback Chris Eaton will be playing his 89th game and will slip on the captain's armband although he does not assume the mantle of leadership for his Taradale premier club side.
"About two to three weeks ago he knew I had chosen him to do it and he jumped at the chance so that's a good sign," said Philpott of another player with Super Rugby experience whose role at No9 makes him a logical choice.
