Any other time the Hawke's Bay Magpies' game against Waikato tomorrow would have passed off as some robust spring cleaning before locking away the Ranfurly Shield until next winter.
But that may be too presumptuous because it can sometimes be detrimental in the ITM Cup to slip on blinkers andbecome too preoccupied with one's own domestic chores.
The harsh reality is the shield challengers are sixth on the Premiership table and have no chance of making the playoffs - but they still need a victory to stave off relegation.
Conversely, the Craig Philpott and Danny Lee-coached Magpies have a home semifinal sewn up in the lower-tier Championship but a victory against the Mooloo Men will ensure them a top-rung berth for a home final in a bid to gain promotion to next season. Philpott said last night his side had three games to go - akin to three test matches with the first one tomorrow at 7.35pm at McLean Park, Napier.
"Waikato are a very good team, with guys who play for the ABs, New Zealand Under-20s in the last two years and Super Rugby," he said, mindful they had lost some very close encounters which they should have won.
