Log o' Wood welcomed to Marlborough
Marlborough boys Monu Moli and Quinn Harrison-Jones show off the Ranfurly Shield to a throng of local fans at Seymour Square this afternoon. Photo: William Woodworth
Hundreds of keen Tasman Mako fans turned up to Seymour Square to welcome home the Ranfurly Shield winning side this afternoon.
Captain Quinten Strange, designated Shield minder Quentin MacDonald, Sam Moli, Monu Moli, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Quinn Harrison-Jones, Max Hicks, Kyren Taumoefolau and Viliami Napa'a were eagerly welcomed to the presentation, and stayed to sign autographs
The Shield was welcomed with a karakia by Barney Thomas and a speech from Mayor Nadine Taylor, alongside the Marlborough Boys' College 1st XV singing a karakia and doing their haka in acknowledgement of the Mako team's efforts.
Captain Strange thanked the crowd and acknowledged members of the Marlborough 1973-74 Shield-winning side in attendance.
"They were an inspiration to us in the week leading up to the challenge", said Strange.
"Some pretty special men have come through wearing the Mako jersey, and this is for them too", he added.
"I'm looking forward to Sunday, and we will go win it again".
Sunday's Shield defence vs Wellington kicks off at 2.05pm at Lansdowne Park, Blenheim.