Tana is back but can he lead Counties to the ultimate glory - the capture of the Ranfurly Shield?  Forget the talk of playing for NPC points this is all about the Shield as any Counties supporter will tell you.
 
For those of us who had to endure the heartache of Palmerston North in '77, Eden Park in '79, Waikato in '81, robbery at Lancaster Park in '82 & then Eden Park again in '85, a Counties shield challenge often brings back bitter memories.
 
Looks a tough ask this week though in what will likely be a very forward dominated game.  Unless Tana moves to hooker Counties will probably struggle there.  Unfortunately their start to the season also means Southland will not take them likely despite the emotion of a successful defense against Otago last week.
 
The TAB are giving Southland a points start of 6.5 points at $1-87 which is too good to pass up.