Magpies v Harbour
Ranfurly Shield
Has Richard "The Barracuda" Buckman lost his bite or was he just being diplomatic?
The smart money has to be on the latter. When it was put to the Hawke's Bay Magpies rugby team's utility back his preferred position of centre could be about to come under serious threat from last year's regular Robbie Fruean, Buckman, replied: "It's always good to have competition for positions within a team environment. If someone is good enough to take my position that's fine ... I just have to keep doing my job to make it tough for him. At the same time I'm happy to play anywhere else as long as I'm on the field."
With Crusaders utility Fruean expected to play his first ITM Cup match of the season against Canterbury next weekend Highlander Buckman has an extra incentive to maintain his consistent 2015 form when the Magpies host North Harbour in a fourth round ITM Cup fixture which doubles as a Ranfurly Shield defence at Napier's McLean Park tonight.
Add in the fact it will be Buckman's 100th first class outing and it's hard to picture a drop in his high standards. Although the always humble Napier Boys' High School product is always quick to down play his contribution to the unbeaten Championship leaders.
"I don't have to do much because everyone is doing their job. Our forwards are going really well and we have some quality backs who are feeding off their service."
Despite securing the maximum 15 competition points to date Buckman pointed out there are still a lot of work ons for tonight's hosts.
"Hopefully it shows during the game."
Like captain and No8 Brendon O'Connor who is also playing his 100th first class match tonight, Buckman, didn't know about the milestone until it was pointed out to him earlier this week.
"It's good to play it at McLean Park where most of my games have been played. Hopefully we get a good crowd along because it's always pleasing when that happens."
Two confirmed spectators are Buckman's parents Alan and Tracey. Despite living in Otorohanga they seldom miss a home or away Magpies match their son plays and they will be joined by Buckman's two older brothers and their wives tonight.
Although it's hard to bet against the Magpies banking another five points Buckman, 26, said Harbour is a team which can't be taken lightly.
"On their day any team can beat another in this competition. Harbour showed that with their win against Southland last weekend and they can play some quality football if they turn up with the right attitude."
Buckman's first class record since his 2008 debut for the Magpies includes 59 games for the Bay, 29 for the Highlanders, six for the Hurricanes Development team, three for the Hurricanes and one each for the North Island and New Zealand Barbarians.
With tonight being the Magpies annual Club Day fixture it will be a surprise if there isn't more than 7000 spectators for Buckman and O'Connor's 100ths. As is the tradition all of the Magpies will play in their club socks and every JAB player who wears their club's shirt, jersey or jacket will be provided free admission on to the embankment.
Harbour head coach Steve Jackson has made one change to his starting XV used in the 26-25 win against Southland. It sees Hapakuki Moala-Liavaa replacing Jordan Manihera at No8.
Handy players in the Harbour pack include O'Connor's Blues teammates, hooker James Parsons and lock Hayden Triggs.
Captain and Blues halfback Bryn Hall and Blues winger Tevita Li are among the Harbour backs who will have to be marked closely.
Tonight's curtainraiser will see the Hawke's Bay under-19s take on their Manawatu counterparts. Magpies outside back Jonah Lowe is expected to play for the Bay.