Today they get their chance for a little more.
The defending Meads Cup champions are in line for their third consecutive title if they can overcome Whanganui in a repeat of last year’s final.
If South Canterbury win, they will join their opposition as the only other Heartland side to have won three straight, after Whanganui’s reign from 2015 to 2017.
South Canterbury survived an early scare against East Coast to eventually beat the Sky Blues 34-17 in last week’s semifinal, while Whanganui cruised past Thames Valley 38-3.
"We know we’ve got a target on our back," coach Nigel Walsh said.
"We know that Whanganui are going to come down here and throw everything at us.
"It’s about us accepting that challenge, walking towards the challenge and really having a crack . . . and making sure we stand up.
"Being the last game, I just want to go out there and thank everybody involved."
"The biggest thing is the boys have got a smile on their dial and they’re having fun still."
South Canterbury’s regular home ground, Fraser Park, has been out of action for the past two seasons with a major upgrade, and Heartland games have headed to the country.
They have played in Geraldine, Waimate, Pleasant Point and Fairlie this season, and are taking the final to Temuka, in a move that Walsh says has been positive for the team putting on a show for the country crowds.
"Everybody says it. Grassroots rugby’s the pinnacle of New Zealand Rugby.
"One thing we’re seeing is we’re reconnecting to the community and also to the rural landscape of the game and Heartland game.
"We’re getting farmers and stuff back into rugby club rooms and reconnecting with the game and the community as well.
"I think it’s been very valuable for our guys to get out there in those rural areas."
Walsh is also back as head coach of the New Zealand Heartland XV side who will play the New Zealand Babarians in Oamaru on November 4.
The side will be selected following the Lochore Cup final between West Coast and Poverty Bay tomorrow.
Meads Cup
2.05pm, Temuka
South Canterbury: Lieuli Simote, Clarence Moli, Zach McKay, Paula Fifita, Kalavini Leatigaga, Sam Briggs, William Wright, Siu Kakala, Finlay Joyce, Loni Toumohuni, Tevita Ahokovi, Anthony Amato, Tokomaata Fakatava, Conor Anderson, Vaka Taelega. Reserves: Junior Faavae, Graison Dale, Garret Casey, Etienne van Zyl, Solomone Lavaka, Steve Philips, Zac Saunders, Sireli Buliruarua.
Whanganui: Peceli Malanicagi, Apolosi Tanoa, Aleksio Vakarorogo, Timoci Seruwalu, Josaia Bogileka, Dane Whale, Lindsay Horrocks, Douglas Horrcoks, Jamie Hughes, Josefa Mamosimalua, Josh Lane, Peter-Travis Hay-Horton, Raymond Salu, Roman Tutauha, Hadlee Hay-Horton. Reserves: Alesana Tofa, Konradd Newland, Gabriel Hakaraia, Matt Ashworth, Luke Whale, Eben Claassen, Joshua Brunger, Silio Waqalevu.
