Tupai gets in trim for Shield defence

1.00pm

The talk around town was that Rotorua Steamer Paul Tupai was getting a lucky haircut before his team's NPC encounter against Waikato tomorrow.

The player, however, reckoned luck had nothing to do with winning a rugby match.

He wasn't saying too much about tomorrow's match-up at Tauranga's Blue Chip Stadium.

At stake, as well as NPC points, is the Ranfurly Shield which the Bay of Plenty Steamers held aloft for the first time in the trophy's history after beating Auckland last weekend.

So if it wasn't a lucky haircut, perhaps the No 8 just wanted to look his best on the field. Either way, yesterday afternoon found him at The House of Elliott hairdressing salon.

Eagerly awaiting the chance to trim the locks of a Ranfurly Shield winner was his former school buddy and hairdresser Craig Elliott.

The pair attended Kaitao Middle School and Western Heights High School, playing in both schools' 1st XV rugby teams together.

"I had a bit of spare time so I came in for a yarn with Craig," Tupai said.

He was there three weeks ago too when Elliott threatened to shave 99 into the side of the Steamers' head.

The hairdresser said watching his friend play his 100th match for the Bay was an emotional moment, made even more so by the Ranfurly Shield success.

While Tupai may be a man of few words, Elliott was more than happy to do the talking.

"Watching him put on that Bay jersey, it was everything he had dreamed of. It was a very special moment and there was tears of joy for my pal...it was truly special.

"I told him that it was a matter of time before he brought the Shield into my salon. He has made my dream come true."

Elliott got to lay his hands on the Shield this week as the coveted trophy was displayed in the streets of Rotorua.

Caption: Quick trim before the big game -- Bay of Plenty Steamer Paul Tupai chatting with friend and hairdresser Craig Elliott yesterday.

- DAILY POST (ROTORUA)

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