Editorial: Look past romancing the Shield

One of the more intriguing factors for Bay fans this year is the return of Zac Guildford, says Mark Story. Photo / Paul Taylor

So heartening to see a big muster braving the shocking conditions at McLean Park on Thursday.

A big win at 58-7 but a mud and guts, heartland rugby at its best.

The Magpies' fifth successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield was played out in daytime temperatures seldom experienced on the East Coast. In fact, it was arguably the best chance Wairarapa Bush have had, or will have, for some time.

That is, the Magpies sported no fewer than 12 debutants in conditions that tend to blunt the attacking weapons used in offence. It's a cliche but the weather tends to level the playing field; inclement conditions in footy have sparked the slaying of many giants.

And that's the allure of the Log o' Wood.

There's no doubt the shield has added a lustre and a return of the siege mentality our coastal footy park is famous for. A chance at the coveted prize supersedes motivations for other trophies up for grabs on the domestic and Super rugby scene.

One of the more intriguing factors for Bay fans this year is the return of Zac Guildford. The journeyman has landed back home, hopefully on his feet. His colourful past needs no mention. This writer, like most Bay fans, is more interested in hoping the talented former All Black can get back to his best.

In his comeback game he scored two tries, including one of sheer pace from 60m.

He'll play a big part in the next defences - and hopefully, if we keep winning, there'll be plenty of them. Next we have two more pre-ITM Cup fixtures against Horowhenua-Kapiti and Mid Canterbury and then against Northland in their Cup opener. We'll meet North Harbour in week four and we'll host Bay of Plenty on September 19 and Auckland on September 24. Then of course Waikato on October 9. Tall order.

Horowhenua - Kapiti are another minnow, you could argue, but then so was this province up until not so long ago.

However, despite the romance of defending and retaining the shield, this year the coaching staff need to look past the shield's romance. Assistant coach Danny Lee was emphatic about that earlier this month.

"Making it all the way to the final and narrowly losing twice is unacceptable," he said. "We want to go one step further this year."