Challengers' coach clamps tight lid on enthusiasm

By CHRIS RATTUE

Waikato coach Kiwi Searancke believes a key part to his team's preparation for the Ranfurly Shield challenge was keeping a lid on his players' enthusiasm early in the week.

Waikato will face Canterbury at Jade Stadium this afternoon knowing that two NPC competition points will assure them of a semifinal place, and five would give them a chance of winning home advantage.

Expectations are often high in Waikato when it comes to the Ranfurly Shield because of the province's past successes.

And like the public, many of the Waikato players grow up knowing what shield rugby is all about.

Searancke said: "You have to be careful that you don't leave your game on the training ground and, to be honest, you never really know if you've got it right until 4 pm on Saturday.

"As a player I've been in shield weeks where the trainings were terrible yet we played well.

"The players know that it seems every generation of players at Waikato wins a big shield game ... Maybe they can get a bit excited at the beginning of the week.

"More than emphasising the shield challenge, it's a matter of keeping a lid on the excitement - you've still to go out there and produce."

Waikato have already lost Jonno Gibbes, Scott McLeod and Guy Coleman to injury. Deon Muir is listed as very doubtful, but Canterbury believe Searancke is foxing and that the Waikato captain will make his comeback from a rib injury.

If Muir doesn't play, Scott Couch - primarily an openside - will be at No 6. Searancke used Couch at No 8 during pre-season.

Waikato have come off a bye week while the Canterbury Machine looks as if it is purring into top gear. Searancke admitted Waikato might face a conflict of interest late in the game over seeking an all-important bonus point, or doing what's best to win the shield.

The match will mark the Ranfurly Shield farewell for Canterbury's favourite sporting son, Todd Blackadder, who heads to Scotland soon.

Blackadder said: "It won't be easy going but I'll look back on it as great days in a red and black jersey."

He described Waikato as a gutsy side who knew how to win big games.

And Blackadder also called on new All Black coach John Mitchell to pick the side to tour Ireland, Scotland and Argentina on form.

"We've picked guys who have been a flash in the pan who haven't performed at international level," he said. "Let's pick on bloody performance and get it straight for once."