Waikato are bracing for a full on assault when North Harbour challenge them for the Ranfurly Shield in Hamilton this afternoon.
Mooloo's coach Sean Botherway is expecting the boys from the North Shore to bring their 'A' game having not held the Log of Wood since 2007.
"Any team that challenges for the Shield is through the roof with emotion and energy and excitement," said Botherway.
"They've had a great start to the season and have X factor across the park, so we think we've got a good handle on where they're coming from.
"We don't need to talk too much about what the Shield means and everything because we've been there in terms of a challenger not too many months ago.
"Our guys, like most people in New Zealand rugby, are passionate about the Shield so we think we're in a good space."
Waikato has defended the Shield in three preseason matches against Heartland Championship sides Thames Valley, King Country and Wanganui.
Botherway isn't bothered by the threat that two of Waikato's former players will bring in the challenge.
Bryn Gatland - the son of Mooloo's legend and Welsh coach Warren Gatland will be calling the shots from first five-eighth, while the talented Kane Jacobson will start at seven.
Botherway says he admires the progress the pair has made since shifting north.
"That's the rugby landscape, isn't it? They've chosen that as their pathway and they're playing at a high level now.
"We do know a little bit about them, they haven't been much of a focus for us to be fair. We're focused on what we need to do."
The game kicks off in Hamilton at 2.35pm.
Waikato XV: Jordan Trainor, Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara, Nathaniel Apa, Willis Halaholo, Sevu Reece, Sam Christie, Isaac Boss; Jordan Manihera, Murray Iti, James Tucker, Brian Alainu'uese, Jacob Skeen, Atu Moli, Hame Faiva, Loni Uhila.
North Harbour XV: Matt Duffie, Afa Faatau, Matt Vaega, Michael Little, Tevita Li, Bryn Gatland, Bryn Hall, Murphy Taramai, Kane Jacobson, Chris Vui, Brandon Nansen, Gerard Cowley, Sione Marilee, Vyron Smith, Nic Mayhew.
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