Rugby: Steamers can take heart from bold bid

Tino Nemani

While the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Hawke's Bay wasn't the result Steamers fans wanted to see, the 23-17 loss was by far the most enjoyable Steamers game I've watched since moving to the Bay back in 2012.

Barring the result on Saturday, it had all the elements of an iconic Ranfurly Shield upset, with plenty of quirks and big moments.

The Steamers were no-chancers at the TAB, paying $7 to win, winger Tino Nemani was sporting a pair of lucky, pink undies, loose forward Shahn Eru had a beard most Old Testament prophets would've been proud of, and the sideline referee made a controversial call near the death to give the Steamers a crack at victory.

That last element in particular gave the match a thrilling conclusion, with the Steamers pulling up about five metres short of a famous victory.

It all made for a very enjoyable afternoon watching ITM Cup rugby.

Unfortunately, the Steamers' late lineout drive was stopped by a wall of Hawke's Bay defenders and the referee awarded the home side a penalty, all but ending the contest in Napier.

The loss of course will do the Steamers no favours during their hunt for a semifinal spot in the ITM Cup Championship.

However, it might help inject some much needed confidence into the Bay side, who have been lacking in that regard over the past few seasons.

With three games to go in the regular season, the Steamers are still on target to make the semifinals in the ITM Cup Championship but will be aiming to win at least two of those remaining matches to make sure.

However, there's no chance the Steamers will get another shot at the Ranfurly Shield this season.