Returning Rangiuru an unknown danger

STEP UP: Stevie Ray Patuawa takes the ball up for Rangiuru in their win in the promotion final against Poroporo last year. PHOTO/FILE

Rumour, innuendo, subterfuge, big men, a barbecue beset by seagulls, news of a competition crumbled, a former All Blacks captain and paddleboards - the launch of the 2014 Bayfair Baywide Premier club rugby competition, which apparently started six days ago with a round three match won 48-0 by Whakarewarewa over Opotiki, had it all.

Three days out from the beginning of a long-awaited season, the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union gathered representatives from each of the premier rugby clubs that would show up.

On the outer-reaches of the circle stood newly-promoted Rangiuru brains trust of Peter Woods and Mark Basham; smiling quietly and observing the traditional premier powerhouses.

Both members of the Bay of Plenty centenary team were at pains to talk up the youth and inexperience of their side, which includes just three players who have played premier club rugby for Rangiuru.

When quizzed about player movement across the No3 Road separating the home fields of Rangiuru and Te Puke Sports - who both play at home in round two - Basham was tight-lipped.

His son, young Carlos, had "brought himself back" from the neighbouring club.

Simon Rolleston had done the same and brought his punishing right boot along with him. Elliot Hagen - the mercurial Aussie outside back - had been around the scene for a while but his whereabouts were unknown.

Rangiuru start back in the Baywide Premier grade against Mount Maunganui at Rangiuru's Centennial Park at 2.45pm on Saturday.

Mount coach Rodney Voullaire was well aware of the atmosphere his side, missing Zar Lawerence, Chris Elvin and Johan Bardoul to the Hong Kong 10s, will be walking into on a field steeply surrounded by banks on two sides.

"We're happy they are back up and it will be interesting to see how they go," Voullaire said.

"From the years I used to play them they were always a hard pack and hopefully there is a few older boys to carry them. Their backline will be sharp. They're a top side."

That is what this time of year is all about - finding out what everyone else has got.

Come tomorrow afternoon that task will have become much easier, for better or worse.

Let the games begin.