They had to leave a chilly bin of venison behind, but the Wanganui Barbarians were looking to get the tail wind for their 105 minute flight to Chatham Island from Whanganui Airport this morning.
The tour group of 45, including 28 players, made sure the flippers were packed as well as the footy boots as they will spend tomorrow out on fishing and diving charters, before the serious business of the game against the locals kicks off on Saturday.
The Barbarians had hoped to offer up some choice venison to their hosts, but between all the boat equipment and rugby gear, their chartered Air Chathams flight would have been above the weight limit, so the meat was destined to head back into the freezer.
Peter Rowe, 121 first class games for Wanganui and the NZ Provincial Barbarians, will have the task of getting the squad through a quick captain's run tomorrow afternoon, while the career flanker will play in the midfield in a squad full of forwards.
"I'll be trying to be a spectator as much as I can," Rowe said.
