It's time to step up to the mark

You can almost picture Wayne Ormond thumping his chest as he stressed what tomorrow night's game against the Lions is all about.

Sure, there's the incentive of leading Bay of Plenty to what would be a shock win in the opening match of the 11-game tour.

But the 27-year-old flanker knows his history and appreciates the occasion at Rotorua's International Stadium means more than just running out and playing a decent game of footy.

And as he explains what it's all about, you get an idea how he's built a reputation in the last year as one of the country's more inspiring, follow-me-boys type of captain.

"This is a one-off opportunity for a lot of us," Ormond said.

"We probably won't get this chance again.

"There are a lot of guys before us who would have loved to have played this game.

"We've got a big responsibility to step up for the guys in the past who have put the jersey on."

The Lions didn't play Bay of Plenty on their last visit 12 years ago so a generation of Bay players didn't get the chance to play the world's least seen top-level touring team.

Bay of Plenty's best result against the Lions was a 6-6 draw against the dreadful class of 1966, and Ormond has heard the old stories about Lions trips here.

He is one of nine Chiefs players from this year's Super 12 in the starting XV.

Their experiences this season will bolster the quality of the Bay team, but Ormond, although happy with the spirit, wasn't impressed with the standard of training earlier this week.

"It's important for the senior players to step up and bring everyone up to that level.

"We're still not at the place we'd like to be but, sure, we'll get there by the end of the week."

Ormond threw himself into training to such an extent he picked up four stitches above an eye on Wednesday.

"It's important for us to keep our feet on the ground. We know this is big but we've just got to worry about what we want to achieve out there. I think that's the key for us."

Tokoroa-born Ormond, 1.91m and 106kg, is a robust defender, strong runner and support player. He's played 55 games for the Bay, including the complete 2004 NPC campaign, and lifted the Ranfurly Shield when the Bay toppled Auckland at Eden Park.

They held it for one defence before losing to Canterbury.

It was the NPC champions who also ended their dream run to the semifinals of the national competition, but by then Ormond had been making waves. His name was turning up in despatches as an All Black chance.

When the time came for the All Blacks squad to tour Italy, Wales and France to be named, Ormond was not the longest shot to win a place.

He missed out because, when put alongside those who made it - the likes of Jerry Collins, Jono Gibbes, Rodney So'oialo, Steven Bates and Mose Tuiali'i - he was regarded as not quite up there.

His early form in the Chiefs Super 12 campaign this year was, like many of his team-mates, a bit dusty. But, again as the team's fortunes improved, so Ormond got better as it went along.

Bay of Plenty coach Vern Cotter confirmed Ormond is a leader by deed as much as word.

"He changes every team he's involved with. He changes the game when around the ball or on defence, just through his commitment.

"The players follow him. He's very passionate, very committed. He's composed, a thinker and highly respected."

Ormond will have his hands full against England World Cup hero Richard Hill tomorrow night, but you fancy Hill will know he's been in a battle by the finish.