Taniwhas back to haunt Maxwell

Norm Maxwell won't be short of motivation when he makes his comeback in tonight's Ranfurly Shield match against Northland at Jade Stadium in Christchurch.

"Northland's still my homeland. I've got a lot of good friends playing for Northland, and I'd hate to give them any ammo to mock me with for the next six months," Maxwell said.

The Northland squad include hooker Jason Hammond, lock Glenn Taylor and fullback Hayden Taylor, who he played alongside during his early career in Whangarei.

Maxwell made his debut for Northland as a 19-year-old, and helped his province win the 1997 second division title before moving south to Canterbury.

His old mates did not waste any time in winding him up when he first played against Northland in 1998. A mystery caller, who he suspected was Northland flanker Justin Collins, left a cryptic message on the Maxwell answer phone warning: "The Taniwhas are coming."

Maxwell had the last laugh, though, as Canterbury chalked up a comfortable 40-17 win. He also helped Canterbury repulse Northland's last shield challenge in Christchurch in 2000, when the red-and-blacks prevailed 28-22. Maxwell has yet to play in a losing team against Northland.

He is not ready to relinquish that record.

While the rangy lock has achieved All Black status from Canterbury, he treasures his time with the Taniwhas.

His first rugby memory was, as an eight-year-old "knocking out the next-door neighbour down the local park".

After five years in rugby league - where he honed his ferocious tackling technique - Maxwell made his mark at Whangarei Boys' High School.

He was a couple of years behind another standout lock in current Tall Blacks hero Pero Cameron.

"We were sort of mates at school, me and Pero," Maxwell said. "He was a big boy back then as well, and it's hard case seeing him play now (in the world championships). He wasn't a bad rugby player too in his day. He certainly had the size and the skills."

While the shield tradition was not as strong in Northland as Christchurch, Maxwell grew up hearing about the deeds of North Auckland's shield-winning teams of the 1970s, featuring players like Peter Sloane, Sid Going, and Kawhena Woodman.

"There was a real country feel to it, and everyone was looked after very well," Maxwell said. "There was a real family atmosphere, similar to what we've got in Canterbury.

"It was enjoyable for me to start off there, and I suppose I got a lot of my values and respect taught to me when I was up there."

Maxwell locked the Northland scrum with Glenn Taylor - the man he will oppose tonight, and someone for whom he has plenty of respect.

"He was always a good man to have around. He had a lot of experience and a really caring sort of guy as well. He cared a lot for the young players coming through, he never put any pressure on you, and he supports you."

- NZPA