Will the Old Golds spoil the party?
Or will the Hammers deliver one of the all-time shocks in Ranfurly Shield history?
Two Heartland Championship teams will get a crack at the coveted Log o’ Wood this season.
The Otago Rugby Football Union has offered both a challenge at the shield and has locked in dates.
North Otago will get the first challenge in Dunedin on Tuesday, June 16.
The Old Golds had a highly entertaining season under new coach Luke Herden last year and claimed the Lochore Cup with a wild 64-47 win over Horowhenua-Kapiti in the final at Maheno.
A venue has not been specified for the first challenge of the season but it would not be a surprise if Tahuna Park was used rather than Forsyth Barr Stadium, given the unusual day of the week.
Assuming Otago defend the shield against their neighbours, they will face another challenge from Mid Canterbury in Alexandra on Friday, July 24.
The Hammers claimed the Meads Cup for a third time last season when they pipped Thames Valley 21-18 in the final.
“These matches are a fantastic opportunity to connect with our communities and showcase high-quality rugby throughout Otago,” ORFU chief executive Richard Kinley said.
“We’re excited for the challenges and look forward to some great preseason contests.”
Venues and kick-off times would be confirmed later, Kinley said.
Otago claimed the Ranfurly Shield with a stirring 38-36 win over Canterbury in Christchurch in September.
Their sole defence came a week later, beating North Harbour 41-26.
