Now that's what the game is all about

OPINION: The Manawatu Turbos' rip-roaring 42-16 win over North Harbour on Saturday reminded those with longish memories of the Ranfurly Shield days.

At both ends of the players' tunnel, little kids waited excitedly in their green-and-white jerseys with pens and pads poised. And that was after the players had attended to autograph hunters on the field. Old-timers said that spirit is what it's all about – why it's essential for the Turbos to survive.

The Manawatu Rugby Supporters' Club premises in the Waldegrave Lounge were packed afterwards, although the two New Zealand Rugby Union gents wisely didn't turn up. A huge bout of cheering erupted when the Turbos entered the room, as if they'd won the Ranfurly Shield. Unaccustomed to such adulation, the players looked rather sheepish about it but it will live long in their memories.

An unexpected glitch played havoc with the Turbos' hookers on Saturday.

Reserve hooker Sean O'Connor was ruled out with an ankle injury soon after he was shorn of his massive mane on Friday. He'd done his bit for the Manawatu Rugby Union anyway, his locks bringing in $20,000, and not being down to play, he had even had a couple of quiets.

But later it was discovered there was a problem with Bryn Templeman, the No3 rake. He'd applied for a clearance to play for a club in England in the off season and it came through so rapidly he was no longer a New Zealand player.

The wonders of medical science got O'Connor on to the field for the last seven minutes.

Maybe, just maybe, the Kiwis' feeling of inferiority has gone when it comes to playing the Aussies at rugby league after their 20-all draw at the Twickenham Stoop yesterday.

Maybe it's also because there aren't too many Warriors in the New Zealand team. But most of the team play NRL football in Australia so their opponents are mostly clubmates. The Kiwis also have the brilliant Benji Marshall, the Whakatane kid who plays every bit like Manawatu rugby player Aaron Cruden. But that Aussie side had stars like Slater, Inglis, Lockyer, Thurston ...

Word reaches us that golf's Lawnmaster Classic is to be revived.

Until two years ago it was the flagship tournament held in Manawatu-Wanganui with most of New Zealand's best men's and women's amateurs attracted to Hokowhitu, before going into recess for the past two seasons.

We understand it will be held in March rather than Labour Weekend when the weather is about as predictable as a rabid canine.

It was a great accolade for 17-year-old Adam Milne to be named the Gillette Cup Young Cricketer of the Year at the New Zealand Cricket awards.

The tall Palmerston North Boys' High School medium-fast bowler was the standout player in last year's national schools finals in Palmerston North. He took 13 wickets at 8.15 per wicket.

Now he must stand a chance of making the New Zealand under-19 team for the upcoming World Cup.

- © Fairfax NZ News