Jeff McTainsh

And I think, I mean, I grew up, obviously, supporting Otago and, you know, was there day one when the Highlanders were founded.

And the game has changed.

The professional games were around for 30-odd years.

So, like, it has changed.

And I don't think it is fair that...

that we we often compare it to to other codes like like the nrl but it is different but i think when you get back to the core fan base in new zealand like so parochial around provincial rugby and just some of those experiences at those grounds you might not have a large crowd but you can just feel the passion feel what it means and and i can only speak to

I guess what I grew up with, which was my grandfather saying that, you know, banging on that a tiger hadn't had the red flesh shield for so many years.

And then I always think like when has rugby really pulled at my heartstrings or my emotions.

And, um,

One of the moments was when Otago won the Shield back against Waikato and Hamilton.

And they won it back.

And I think they only held it for, what, six days.

And then Hawke's Bay won it.

But those are the moments.

The other one was when the Highlanders, I'm sorry, put 2-15.

Because I was there at the Brock in 99 when the Crusaders won.

When the Crusaders beat them and, you know, that was... I always think that was a pretty formative moment.

I wonder what would have happened had the Highlanders won that year.

Yeah.

But look, the passion from the regions, you can't beat it.