Otago Eyes Historic Double After Dramatic Ranfurly Shield Win

Otago’s co-captain, James Gilbert, is setting ambitious goals for his team after their thrilling comeback victory in the Ranfurly Shield. The team overcame a 15-point deficit, even playing with a man down for ten minutes, highlighting their resilience and teamwork. “It’s pretty epic,” Gilbert remarked, emphasizing his pride in the collective effort.

Gilbert, who has been easing back into full duties following a minor calf injury, entered the match against North Harbour in the 51st minute. His confidence in the team’s capabilities is palpable. Despite trailing on the scoreboard, Otago maintained their belief, trusting in their game plan. “Everyone knew what we were doing was working,” Gilbert noted. “We executed a few big moments down the stretch.”

With the prestigious Ranfurly Shield now in their possession, Otago’s focus shifts to the upcoming challenge against North Harbour. Retaining the Shield is critical for the team, as they aim to build on this success and potentially secure the National Provincial Championship (NPC) title as well. Otago’s NPC title drought has extended to a staggering 27 years, but Gilbert believes they are well-positioned to make a serious run. They currently sit second in the NPC standings, showcasing their strong performance this season.

Gilbert, who will be joining the Connacht club in Ireland after this season, expressed enthusiasm about the team’s current momentum. “I look at the team we’ve got on paper and I think we can beat anyone,” he stated. “The Shield is almost a bonus for where we’re at and where we want to be going this year.”

As the team prepares for their next game, Gilbert reflects on his journey with Otago. He previously played for Canterbury and scored a try in the 2019 match where they claimed the Shield from Otago. Now, he aims to make the most of his time in Dunedin, focusing on the present rather than dwelling on past rivalries. “I’m trying to be really present, really stay where my feet are,” he said.

The upcoming match against North Harbour also carries special significance as it marks the 100th game for hooker Liam Coltman. Gilbert praised Coltman, stating, “He’s an amazing man — 100 games, the first man since John Leslie back in the 1990s. He means a lot to this province and this community.”

As Otago gears up for this crucial encounter, the players are united in their goal to deliver a strong performance, not only for the Shield but also to honor Coltman’s milestone. The excitement surrounding the team is building, and fans are eager to see if they can indeed achieve the historic double.