Ben Smith Out of Otago's Ranfurly Shield Defence

It's been 56 long years but it's been worth it for the likes of Balclutha, Lawrence, Naseby, Clyde, Middlemarch, Palmerston and Waikouaiti.

Expect little old Omakau to be up if the Shield comes to town

The famous Log of Wood is set to tour one of the New Zealand rugby's largest unions over the week or so, keeping Otago rugby staff busy - the players won't be part of it having to train and prepare for their first shield defence in 56 years against Hawkes Bay - and they'll hope to do better than their predecessors did back then when they lost the shield after only one game.

Unfortunately, Otago fans won't be able to see this Ben Smith on Sunday 

So far it looks like Otago should be able to name pretty much the same side bar Tony Ensor who has a dislocated shoulder. Unfortunately, Otago won't be able to call on All Black Ben Smith who has not been given permission to play for his province on his week off from the ABs - fair enough really.

Here's a look back at the Ranfurly Shield's return to blue and gold land in pictures.