Eyeing a rare shield challenge

A rare tilt at the famous Ranfurly Shield has the Bay of Plenty Steamers hopeful their faithful fans will vocally get behind them this weekend.

Enduring a nine-year wait for another crack at New Zealand rugby's spiritual trophy, many in the proud province eye tomorrow's match with holders Hawke's Bay in Napier a reprieve from recent slim pickings.


Hori BOP prepares for the Bay of Plenty Steamers crack at taking the famous Ranfurly Shield tomorrow. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

This year marks 10 years since the Steamers lifted the famous Log o' Wood for the first time in their 103-year history – the likes of captain Wayne Ormond and Glen Jackson etching their names into Bay rugby folklore in the process.

Steamers coach Kevin Schuler knows if they are to reach the same euphoric heights of 2004 his charges must embrace the 'exciting” occasion.

'I have been around rugby for along time and only been involved twice as a player and coach. And for the players, most of them it's their first time.

'The Ranfurly Shield in New Zealand rugby is the holy grail I think.”

Their season is languishing near the bottom of the ITM Cup championship ladder but Schuler believes this would be just the tonic to turn the season around, giving supporters a much-needed boost in the process.

But the challenge won't be easy, with Hawke's Bay crushed Otago 41-0 in their opening defence of their tenure coupled with a Steamers leaky defence conceding 27 answered points to Auckland, for a 27-12 loss, last weekend.

'It's been a decade since history was made last time, so we have a week to see if we can make history again,” says Schuler.

And of course a Steamers challenge wouldn't be without BOP Mafia godfather Terry Leeming, better known as his raucous alter ego Hori BOP, making the trip to Napier.

Through thick and thin the rotund supporter remains by the team's side, staunchly backing them to the hilt to return with the shield to its 'rightful” place come Sunday afternoon.

Recalling scenes of 2004, Hori says men were crying in the stands after victory – highlighting the spiritual importance the trophy holds in NZ rugby.

'To hell with the ITM Cup, this is the Ranfurly Shield. The sheer fact that we haven't had a challenge in nine years make it all the more amazing.”

'On your day, no matter how bad you're tracking at the time, you can snatch it. It brings so much pride to the union that has it.”

Time will tell if history can repeat itself, come Saturday afternoon, about 4.20pm.

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