Otago may have missed out on winning the Ranfurly Shield but there is a chance it could have another crack - if not two - at the Log O' Wood.
Otago lost 29-25 to Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe last Saturday, just failing to come back and grab the win after scoring two tries in the final five minutes.
However, it may not be a lost cause as far as the shield goes.
Hawkes Bay will challenge Counties-Manukau for the shield on Saturday afternoon and, with All Black fullback Israel Dagg expected to be named in the Hawkes Bay line-up, the Magpies are in with a good chance.
Counties-Manukau will lift for the match but Hawkes Bay will have plenty to play for and will be looking to improve after a muddling start to the season.
If the Bay did get the prize, the first challenge would come from Otago.
Hawkes Bay plays Northland in Whangarei next week but then on September 14, a Sunday, Otago goes to town to play a match at McLean Park.
Hawkes Bay, like Otago, had suffered a long Ranfurly Shield drought, before breaking it last year with victory over Otago.
However, it lost the shield to Counties-Manukau in its first defence, holding the trophy for just six days.
If Otago fails in the prospective challenge against Hawkes Bay, it may get an unprecedented third attempt at shield glory, although the cards would have to fall its way.
Bay of Plenty would be the next challenge for Hawkes Bay straight after Otago and, if the Steamers did manage to cause something of an upset, they would have the shield for a second time, having first won the trophy in 2004.
Bay of Plenty would have to defend it against Northland five days after winning the trophy.
Then Otago would go to Tauranga to take on Bay of Plenty on October 1.
But the more depressing scenario for most neutral rugby fans is the shield may be headed back to Christchurch.
On form and table position, Counties-Manukau should beat Hawkes Bay and the next challenge is on September 18, when the Canterbury juggernaut goes to town.
Canterbury which has held the shield countless times, and last had it in 2011, would be a heavy favourite to beat Counties-Manukau and take the trophy back to Christchurch.
