Otago set to provide 'massive' challenge | Canterbury Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Canterbury

A bit of nervousness is understandable in the Canterbury camp as they prepare for Saturday’s first Ranfurly Shield defence against Otago at AMI.

A shocking rehearsal against Bay of Plenty, eight players away with the All Blacks, skipper George Whitelock in doubt with an ankle strain, and a challenger desperate to win the shield for the first time in 52 years.

It all adds up to a huge test of character for the young Canterbury team.

Coach Rob Penney also believes Otago’s four-point loss to Wellington in their shield challenge six weeks ago will help the southern men immensely.

He also dismisses any relevance in Otago’s poor 2009 NPC record (two wins from six).

“That’s deceiving,” he said.

“The Otago boys have played some really good rugby and had some tight losses. And they hammered North Harbour, so they’ll be massive.

“They’ll be so emotional – they put in a really good effort against Wellington and probably could easily have won the shield first-up.

“They’ve had the experience and they’ll learn and grow from that. So they know what’s required, and to get another crack six weeks later is a dream for them.”

At Mt Maunganui Canterbury had a couple of individuals who were a bit distracted, and that affected the whole group, said Penney. However, some players played really well – “so it’s not baby and bath water stuff, just a little freshening up.”

Had Canterbury finished early on, it would probably have taken the game away from the Steamers, and when they got under some pressure they went narrow, forgot to play, and seemed to lose a bit of confidence.

This week they had to “get the heads in the best space they can be, to counter what’s going to be a massive challenge.”

Canterbury may have former All Black Casey Laulala available again which would bring some much needed experience, and Tu Umaga Marshall looks likely to fill the fullback vacancy.