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'Hopefully we can put some good memories back into the province' - Manawatu out to win Ranfurly Shield after 40 years of heartache

If the Turbos are successful tomorrow night in New Plymouth, Taranaki's reign will be the shortest defence ever.

The last time Manawatu held the Ranfurly Shield was 1976 and tomorrow night they have the chance to create history when they face Taranaki in New Plymouth for the Log o' Wood.

When Manawatu first took the Ranfurly Shield off Auckland they defended it 13 times.

Manawatu's assistant coach Aaron Good remembers when the Turbos last held the Shield and when they lost it to Northland.

The Turbos will travel to New Plymouth to take on Taranaki tomorrow for the Log o’ Wood.

"I think it's difficult for some Manawatu folk to forget, so hopefully we can put some good memories back into the province," said Good.

Manawatu's fullback Kurt Baker said he's stoked to be back in the green and white strip and is looking forward to facing his old team Taranaki.

"I'm really proud to be a part of this Turbos team, where I started and where I grew up. So I'm really excited about it," said Baker.

The Turbos side will be bolstered by returning All Black midfielder Ngani Laumape.

If Manawatu are successful it'll mean Taranaki's five day tenure with the Ranfurly Shield will be the shortest in shield history.

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