While plenty of attention will turn to Rotorua today, for the Steamers home match against Auckland, I can't help but think even more attention will be paid to the Hawke's Bay match.
The Ranfurly Shield simply has that attraction. It is more than a side plot in the national competition, it has its own legacy.
Hailing from Otago, one of the best moments I can recall from last year, in the ITM Cup, was when Otago won the shield. The whole province got an enormous buzz (albeit for nine days).
The shield creates hometown heroes and gives everybody a lift.
Although I didn't live here at the time, everyone in the newsroom that I talk to about the shield have fond memories of the Steamers winning and defending it back in 2004.
You could probably recall the game when the Bay defeated Auckland to win the shield in August 2004 before defending it in Tauranga against Waikato.
So, fingers crossed, the Magpies get a win tomorrow and the Bay get their challenge. The first in almost a decade.
TAB odds for the Ranfurly Shield match tomorrow: Hawke's Bay $1.60, Otago $2.25.
The Bay of Plenty Steamers play Auckland today at Rotorua International Stadium at 2.35pm. Tickets can be purchased at the gate.
Ranfurly Shield history for the Bay of Plenty Steamers, during the past 10 years:
- August 2004: Bay of Plenty win the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in history, defeating Auckland 33-28.
- August 2004: The Bay defend the shield against Waikato 26-20.
September 2004: The Bay lose the shield to Canterbury 26-33. Canterbury hold it for two years.
- August 2005: The Bay get a shield challenge but lose to Canterbury 40-13.
2006-present: No challenges for the Steamers.
