1.00pm
Bay of Plenty may have to face an All Black backlash if they want to retain the Ranfurly Shield at the weekend as Canterbury is readying the heavy artillery.
Justin Marshall, Daniel Carter, Chris Jack and Richie McCaw have all joined in the early preparations for the match.
McCaw continues to make
excellent progress after his headache troubles but it is still not known if he will be ready.
All four All Blacks have taken part in contact training and some are expected to be named in the lineup.
All Black first five Andrew Mehrtens is dismissing talk that the Shield holds no allure for them, and says the majority of Cantabrians want the Log 'o Wood back, while coach Aussie McLean says that contrary to popular belief, his team is desperate to get their hands back on the Shield.
He also says what the Bay has achieved is fantastic for New Zealand rugby.
The Steamers won their first-ever defence of the Ranfurly Shield ten days ago when they beat Waikato 26-20 at Blue Chip Stadium in Mount Maunganui.
But they may be without some of their stars for the clash with Canterbury.
On the injury front, halfback Kevin Senio is doubtful this week with a sprained ankle while second five Jeff Ierome is out for the season with a broken leg.
Midfielder Rua Tipoki has to front the judiciary on Wednesday afternoon. He has been cited for a dangerous tackle on Taranaki first-five Brock James during the Bay's loss last weekend.
- NEWSTALK ZB
