KEY POINTS:
Ranfurly Shield traditions could not sway Waikato loose forward Liam Messam, who neither went to nor departed Auckland in time-honoured fashion.
A dominant figure during the new holders' victory over North Harbour, the No 8's devotion to duty ensured he never wavered when confronted by scoops of ice cream or cans of Waikato Draught.
Victorious coach Warren Gatland referred to Messam's consummate professionalism after his man-of-the-match performance at Albany.
"He's a fantastic professional the way he prepares himself. On and off the field he really takes care of himself," Gatland said of the versatile loosie.
"He doesn't put any crap into his body, he doesn't drink any alcohol."
Even Waikato's customary ice cream stop at Pokeno on the way to Auckland didn't divert the 23-year-old from his disciplined training.
"It's part of history that we always stop at Pokeno and get an ice cream. Liam was the only guy on the bus that didn't eat one.
"He did not want to put any crap into his body - you just have to admire that."
Messam, who has often had to bide his time among the embarrassment of loose forward riches at Gatland's disposal, can expect more game time while World Cup-bound battering ram Sione Lauaki is out of the mix.
His eye-catching contribution last night was highlighted by a midfield glide and perfectly floated pass to Roy Kinikinilau for Waikato's bonus-point try in the 51st minute.
"Liam was out of this world. I haven't seen a performance like that for some time," said Gatland, who predicted his charge could make the All Blacks next year.
Although he wasn't about to toast the success in time-honoured fashion with a few beers on the bus trip home, Messam acknowledged the significance of the achievement.
"We watched a video of the old successful challenges. It really lifted the boys to see 1980 and Arthur Stone's try.
"Winning the shield feels similar to the [national] championship last year. It's every kid's dream to win it."
- NZPA
