King Country would like to think they have paid their dues after spending the past two years in the third division.
But how much they have learned in that time will be put to the test against Wanganui in the third-division final in Te Kuiti today.
Although both sides are
evenly matched, King Country will benefit from what is expected to be a large and noisy home crowd.
Coach Garry Crossman knows only too well that home support will be a factor, but he is more concerned his players perform to their ability.
"The town is very excited.
"We've got busloads of supporters coming into town and all of a sudden the players are getting the recognition," Crossman said. "The spectators will be very vocal and I'm not sure how the Wanganui players will react, having the crowd so close to the sideline at Rugby Park."
King Country won their round-robin encounter 23-20 after leading 20-0 at halftime.
"I was happy with the way we muscled up last time, but we need to produce a high level of intensity and controlled aggression for the whole game this time," Crossman said.
"It's going to be an absolute arm wrestle."
- NZPA
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