For 40 minutes at the Queenstown Recreation Ground on Saturday, it seemed Highlanders Andrew Hore and Tony Woodcock, playing for Maniototo, would finally know what it felt like to win this season.
It was not to be.
Both players were allowed to turn out for the ''Maggots'' due to a Highlanders bye and bolstered the team during its White Horse Cup challenge against Wakatipu.
Within minutes of the game starting at the Queenstown Recreation Ground, the visiting team showed its ability, keeping Wakatipu scoreless for some time and struggling to get out of its own half.
About 2000 people - largely Wakatipu supporters - had turned out to watch the battle of the titans, but their team's performance gave them little cause for celebration, with the home side trailing 15-3 at the break.
However, Wakatipu - featuring former All Black halfback turned commentator Justin Marshall - staged a comeback of epic proportions and with 20 minutes to go took the lead for the first time and did not let it go, eventually winning 34-24.
Wakatipu coach Damian Petre described it as a ''bloody great day for rugby'', particularly for his side's front row, all of whom were players from the United Kingdom.
''It certainly would have added to their overseas experience ... it's a pretty good story they can share, marking two world champions.''
Marshall, on debut for Wakatipu, took a while to find his rhythm, but took control in the second half and helped to turn the game around, Petre said.
Maniototo coach David Hunter said the addition of Woodcock to the side was ''pretty special'' for his team.
''He only got told he was starting as he arrived at the ground - he was originally going to be a reserve.
''He's not unfamiliar to the Maniototo. He comes up here a lot with Andrew and he's always been keen to put on a Maggots jersey; it's just nice that he could.''
Hunter said after the momentum swung Wakatipu's way in the second half, ''the old boys got a bit tired'' and luck was not on their side.
''We couldn't wrestle it back - it wasn't through lack of effort.''
Asked if Hore, Woodcock or the side's other Highlander, Tamati Ellison, might turn out for the Maniototo again during the season, Hunter said it was a possibility.
''It's probably likely the Highlanders aren't going to make any play-offs.''
