Mid Canterbury Combined’s 1st XV take on Nelson College in their UC Championship opener in Nelson tomorrow. Photo Heather MackenzieIf there is any pointer to the challenge ahead for Mid Canterbury Combined’s 1st XV, comparing their quest to a Hollywood epic should paint the picture.

The return of head coach Shane Enright has inspired the players to tag themselves after the Spartans, an ode to the 2006 Zack Snyder film 300.

“I think it’s very much like the Spartan 300 taking on the Persian Army,” Enright said.

“They’ve really built into that.”

The squad had broken off into groups where each faction was named after a Spartan province, a collective ethos which the coaches hope will galvanise the team.

The task at hand does not come more formidable for Combined in their opening competition match-up as they travel north to take on the defending UC champions Nelson College tomorrow.

“We’re just going to have to try our best and defend and attack when we get the opportunity.

“We know it’s a huge task.

“As long as they play 70 minutes of rugby and if we’re good enough we’re good enough and if we’re not, we’re not.

“As long as they don’t give up, which I don’t think they will with the feeling they’ve got at the moment.”

Coaching staff have been heartened by the players’ response to some of the fresh measures implemented in pre-season, where a focus on fitness and training has left the playing group of 30 eager.

“It’s shown that they’ve bought in by the fact we haven’t lost anyone,” Enright said.

“It’s really exciting to have 30-plus kids running around, even though it’s a disappointment to let some of them go.

“It’s a good buzz.”

The team have had a setback with star recruit Michael Hennings struck down with injury, which is set to keep him out for 4-6 weeks.

However the side does boast some notable talent in the form of Mount Hutt College playmakers Charlie Brown and Sam Ree.

Isi Ula, who is being moved into the openside flank from halfback, offered coaches a unique conundrum.

“I looked at him at the start of the season and he had a really good pass on him, and we weren’t sure what we were going to do at halfback.

“He put on 6kgs over Covid and grew a bit taller.”

And it will be in the loose where the fireworks should occur in tomorrow’s clash.

Nelson College boast some impressive bulk, particularly at 8 and 6.

Enright said the 2019 UC Championship winners were well drilled all over the park.

“They’re just a good team with a good culture.

“They’ll want to be winners again this year.

“But the good thing first-up is you never know what’s going to happen.”

With rain forecast for Nelson both today and tomorrow morning, conditions could be a significant leveller in which the game could develop into a forward-orientated grind.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 19 June 2020