press.co.nz THE PRESS, Saturday & Sunday, August 31 - September 1, 2013 [email protected] D1 RUGBY Now for the shield defence Richard Knowler [email protected] ●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●●● ● In the second it took to lift the Ran- furly Shield above his head last weekend, Paul Grant erased 56 years of frustration for Otago rugby fans. Not since the 1957 team led by Des Grant – no relation to the 25-year-old Paul – beat Wellington 19-11 at Athletic Park have Otago supporters been eligible to claim ownership of the famous log o’ wood. The problem with that ‘‘reign’’ was that it hardly got started. And that is something Paul Grant doesn’t want to see repeated. The 1957 Otago side, coached by the celebrated Charlie Saxton, had just one successful defence, against South Canterbury, before Taranaki defeated them 11-9 a week later. Otago’s tenure expired in just over a month. While their supporters would have felt cheated by the brevity of that period, the optimists probably consoled themselves that the coveted trophy would soon return. Many never lived to see that day. Now shield fever is finally back in the province after Otago’s 26-19 win over Waikato last Saturday night and supporters from the Maniototo to Andersons Bay have been only too happy to have the symptoms brought about by one of New Zealand’s most treasured sports trophies. Not even the slickest of public relations companies could gener- ate the positive publicity that has been bestowed upon the Otago Rugby Football Union (ORFU) this week. Showcasing the shield on the sidelines during trainings – some- thing Canterbury has done in recent years - hasn’t been an option for Otago ahead of tomorrow afternoon’s match against Hawke’s Bay at Forsyth Pride and joy: Otago fans celebrate the Ranfurly Shield arriving in Dunedin, while at left, coach Tony Brown autographs a rugby ball for an adoring fan. Photos: GETTY IMAGES Barr Stadium. Instead the trophy has been trucked around the province and AT A GLANCE displayed like some sort of I’m aware people through the precious jewel; it has been carted gates will help the union’s to primary and secondary schools, OTAGO: Peter Breen, Kieran Moffat, Jayden Spence, Michael Collins, handled at pubs, seconded by financial situation and to be able to help Buxton Popoali’i, Hayden Parker, Fumiaki Tanaka, Paul Grant (captain), farmers and roadies for photo- the union out financially – yeah, it puts Lee Allan, Gareth Evans, Tom Franklin, Tom Donnelly, Scott Manson, graphs and even flown up to the Liam Coltman, Craig Millar. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, Tama top of the Remarkables mountain a bit of a smile on my face to be able to Tuirirangi, Charlie O’Connell, TJ Ioane, Willis Scott, Josh Renton, Fa’asiu range. Fuatai. Balclutha-born and bred No 8 finally win something for Otago rugby. HAWKE’S BAY: Gillies Kaka, Telusa Veainu, Richard Buckman, Andrew Grant, whose grandfather, Cliff Paul Grant Horrell/Adam Bradey, Zac Guildford, Ihaia West, Alby Mathewson, Mark Bisset, played in the first Otago Atkins, Brendon O’Connor, Michael Coman (captain), Mark Abbott, side to win the shield in 1935, has support around the province.’’ head. Nothing has changed for us Michael Allardice, Max Lahiff/Ben Franks, Ged Robinson, Brendon now been forced to shoulder a To cut costs the ORFU was in terms of our training week, we Edmonds. Reserves: Ash Dixon, Ben Franks/Max Lahiff, Trent Boswell- heavy responsibility. forced to slash back-office spend- have just prepared as well as we Wakefield, Karl Lowe, Chris Eaton, Regis Lespinas, Trinity Spooner-Neera. There will be more than pride ing and reduce players’ salaries. can.’’ REFEREE: Mike Fraser at stake when Otago face Hawke’s Coach Tony Brown – who has had While the rest of the province KICK-OFF: 4.35pm Bay. the stadium named after him for has savoured the afterglow of last Last year Otago narrowly tomorrow’s match – offered to weekend’s victory, Grant wants to avoided liquidation when the work for free. give the public reason to keep fuel- Tanaka can undoubtedly state the din International Airport last Dunedin City Council voted in Repeated shield defences by ling their glasses. excitement around the shield is Sunday around 1000 supporters favour of forgiving the $480,000 Grant’s men would bring some The players also have other unique. greeted them with a banner read- owed to the DCC and council- much-needed dough rolling in. reasons to keep winning; men like While Tanaka’s grasp of Eng- ing: ‘‘Welcome Home, Mr Brown’s controlled company DVML in Celebrating last weekend’s win Grant and fellow loosies Lee Allan lish is limited, Grant said there Boys’’. return for a raft of concessions for was done in style but within 24 and Gareth Evans can promote was never any chance of him Last night 13,500 tickets to the the city, including three ‘‘category hours the hijinks had been their own chances of securing underestimating the achievement. defence had sold and ORFU A’’ All Blacks test matches. curtailed. Super Rugby contracts. ‘‘From what he’s been told he’s officials are hoping for a crowd of Back then Otago were receiving Past teams have succumbed to Only lock Tom Donnelly has got an appreciation for it and he’s around 20,000. national media coverage for all the the novelty of winning the shield played for the All Blacks, while seen the public reaction to what Grant and his Otago team- wrong reasons. It would be an by producing dud performances in hooker Liam Coltman was asked has been done. It’s been really mates are determined this party understatement to say tempers stadium – were outraged. yeah, it puts a bit of a smile on my their opening defence but Grant to train with the national squad special for him and he’s a bit of a lasts a few more weeks. were frayed. ‘‘I’m aware people through the face to be able to finally win some- says Brown has alerted them to recently. character. He fits in really well Hawke’s Bay, however, have Some ratepayers – many were gates will help the union’s thing for Otago rugby,’’ Grant said. this trap. Of all the players who are in the with the team and enjoyed the their own reasons to ruin the the same folks who opposed the financial situation and to be able ‘‘It’s a great day to be captain of ‘‘On Sunday night management foreign situation of defending the weekend as well.’’ celebrations. They have not held construction of the new enclosed to help the union out financially – the team . just to see the joy and told us to knock the beers on the log, Japanese halfback Fumiaki When the team arrived at Dune- the shield since 1969. “Best In The West” COACHES AND MANAGERS Harry McCormick OPPORTUNITIES 2014 Head Prefect, 1st XV Rugby The Burnside RFC invites applications for positions within its team management – coaching structures NEW BRIGHTON RUGBY CLUB for 2014. The opportunities available in 2014 will Christ’s College Sports Scholarships COACHES 2014 include working within our open grade Burnside coaching network. The Burnside RFC is proud to be The Jerry Rowberry Sports Scholarship and Somes Sports Scholarships are available for entry to Year 11 or 12 at closely associated with the Burnside High School Applications are invited for coaches and Christ’s College. Applicants must display a proven record rugby programme and coaching-management managers for our Div 1, 2,3,4, of academic determination and sporting achievement. opportunity does extend to this level also Prem Colts,Under 20s and Womens teams. Applications close on Wednesday 11 September 2013. The Burnside RFC invites applications from coaches Please contact Registrar, Sandy Scannell Please visit www.newbrightonrugby.co.nz or and managers for the above positions. on (03) 364 6836 or [email protected] contact Roddy Butt Div 1 applications close Wednesday, 11 Sept, 2013. Rugby Development Offi cer on 021656695, Applications detailing rugby experience to: or email [email protected]. Burnside RFC P O Box 31 123 Applications close 21st September. 5577908AA Ilam, Christchurch [email protected] Ph: 358 8099 Fax: 358 7475 5587729AA.