Tasman embracing rare chance at Ranfurly Shield success

The Tasman Mako have sunk their teeth into plenty of success.

Pari Pari Parkinson on the burst for Tasman.
Photo: Photosport

After all, their past seven seasons patrolling the waters of provincial rugby had reaped three finals appearances and the last two premiership titles.

But there was another item of prey the top-of-the-south side had been patiently circling for much longer.

After an almost decade-long wait, the Mako finally got another chance to snatch the Ranfurly Shield in Napier on Saturday.

The challenge was just the third for New Zealand rugby’s youngest union in their 16-season existence, and first since 2012.

Tasman head coach Andrew Goodman, who alongside hooker Quentin MacDonald played in that 49-40 loss to Taranaki nine years ago, said securing the Shield would be “very special” for the Nelson Bays-Marlborough amalgamation.

“We’ve got a lot of kids coming through the region that are aspiring to be Mako, and having the Shield just increases that.

“[Also] for the older generation who haven’t seen the Shield in the region since 73′ when Marlborough won it. It’s been a long time and it would be as special as it is to any other union.

“I think we’re the only province in the NPC now that hasn’t tasted Ranfurly Shield success, so it would be something pretty cool.”

But Goodman knew just how hard lifting the Log o’ Wood was.

He captained the Mako in not only that 2012 defeat to Taranaki, but also in their only other Shield challenge, a nailbiting 26-20 loss to Wellington in 2008.

Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Goodman said he didn’t expect the current holders, who’s latest tenure had stretched to seven successful defences, to simply hand over the provincial game’s most prized possession.

“Hawke’s Bay are a bloody good team.

“They’ve got a proud Shield history and they’re unbeaten at home for a number of games, so we know the challenge it’s going to be.

“We’re going to have to play our best game of the season, no doubt, but we’re confident in the squad we’ve got and it’s going to be a hell of a game.”

If form was anything to go by, Goodman’s prediction was hard to argue with.

The defending champion Mako led the 2021 premiership standings with four wins from five, while the Magpies were just four points back in third, with a game in hand.

It meant no stone could be left unturned in preparation, and Goodman admitted to less sleep and more late nights this week.

And as his side bid to become the 18th provincial team to secure the Shield, the Tasman coach said there was absolutely no shying away from the significance of the occasion.

“You’ve got to embrace it. It is something special.

“We go through the same processes … but it’s cool and you have to embrace, have a talk about the history and make the players aware of what it would mean for the community.”

Saturday’s match in Napier was scheduled to kick-off at 4.35pm.