Israel Dagg has been released from All Black duties to don the black and white jersey for the first time in a long time with his old team the Hawkes Bay Magpies.
After the Magpies won the Log O’wood for the first time in 44 years and then lost it again in less than a week to Counties-Manukau, the Magpies are suiting up for battle this weekend.
It's always special for Israel Dagg when he comes home, it must be something about the Hawkes Bay air that brings out his sense of humour.
Jokes aside, for this seasoned All Black he'll slip into fullback, the match is especially important as he's never won the shield before.
Known to break the line first-five Ihaia West was pivotal in the Magpies Ranfurly win last year. So this round, they'll need to shut down the likes of like Sherwin Stowers and Frank Halai.
After 24 unsuccessful Ranfurly shield challenges it was a historical win for Counties to lift the shield and they will not give it up easily.