Our shield chances are slim, says Mayor Tim | Manawatu-Wanganui News | Local News in Manawatu-Wanganui

Invercargill's extroverted Mayor Tim Shadbolt hopes Wanganui enjoys the spinoffs of a Ranfurly Shield rugby reign should they wrest the trophy from Southland this Friday.

The chances of Wanganui taking the Log o' Wood are about as realistic as a 20C mid-winter's day in Invercargill - or Wanganui for that matter - but Mayor Tim isn't dismissing the challenge out of sight.

"You never know. There's so much unpredictability about rugby games, especially if it's a bitterly cold day. Look at the Waratahs this year. They came to Invercargill as hot favourites to beat the Highlanders, but they couldn't handle the freezing cold. They hated it and lost."

But virtually in the same breath, Mayor Tim said the North Otago and Wanganui challenges would be "good warmups" for the bigger defences ahead.

No matter what the future holds, he isn't looking forward to waving the Shield goodbye. "It's been great for Southland. We've had to employ someone fulltime just to look after the shield.

"It's been to nine funerals, to the Bluff Oyster Festival, a host of school events and civic functions ... it's been everywhere."

Mr Shadbolt laid down a challenge to Wanganui mayor Michael Laws, who will travel in support of the Wanganui Shield bid. "If he comes, I'll turn on a debate. The theme of it could be 'should Invercargill adopt the H and become Inverchargill'?

"I remember our debating days very well," he said.

 Mr Laws, a keen rugby fan, will join about 100 other Wanganui supporters on the trip south.

Tasman Tanning has sponsored Wanganui's challenge, helping cover the airfares for the team from Wellington to Invercargill and home again.

Wanganui Rugby Union chief Dale Cobb estimated the challenge would have cost the union about $25,000, including airfares, accommodation and food.

Tasman Tanning managing director Hunter Tait said his company was pleased to help for the good of  Wanganui's rugby community.