Rugby: Gloag says 'we have nothing to lose'

The Otago rugby team will approach their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Canterbury in Christchurch on Saturday with a nothing-to-lose attitude, according to coach Kevin Gloag.

Canterbury ended Waikato's 21-game, three-year tenure with a 26-18 win in Hamilton on Saturday, a result which also kept them two points clear at the top of the NPC first division standings. Otago are sixth.

"We'll be the underdogs but we've got nothing to lose," Gloag said. "[Canterbury] are a very good side but we have to back ourselves and go up to Christchurch with confidence. The only way we'll get the shield is to attack."

Otago have not held the shield since 1957, when they beat Wellington 19-11, only to lose it to Taranaki in their second defence.

"It's a long time and it's about time," Gloag said.

Otago captain Kelvin Middleton said the challenge would be a huge game.

"We've had a tough year and we're still going to have to improve our game to get up to [Canterbury's] standard, that's for sure."

Flanker Josh Kronfeld said the shield was one of the remaining goals of his career.

"I'm sure we'll be real hungry for it. It would really be the icing on the cake," he said.

The match at Jade Stadium will see the embankment, which is ready for demolition, reopened to give the ground a capacity of 36,000. Tickets went quickly when they went on sale yesterday.

Canterbury Rugby Football Union chief executive Steve Tew said there would be no parade involving players in Christchurch this week.

"The guys have experienced a shield challenge," he said. "They now have to front up and defend it."

If Canterbury beat Otago, the shield would then be on the line the following week against Northland.

"The guys are in the middle of an NPC campaign and are in a solid position," Tew said. "Our focus is on that and defending the shield, hopefully keeping it over summer."

- NZPA