Otago winger Jona Nareki has joined Ranfurly Shield rugby folklore, after his painful contribution to the southerners' successful challenge against Waikato on Saturday.
Nareki limped off the field in the 59th minute with an injury, eloquently diagnosed by coach Ben Herring as a "smashed testicle".
But in the proud traditions of Buck Shelford, Nareki was required to return to the field with two minutes left, after teammate Mitchell Scott hobbled off.
"It was just a direct blow on the bulls-eye," Herring told RadioLIVE's Sunday Sport. "I don't know who it was and he probably doesn't either.
"He came off, but when there were injuries in the game, he had to come back on with his smashed testicle, which was operated on this morning.
"If you know Jona, he's a particularly buoyant fella, but the comment was, 'don't worry mate, it's just a small operation'."
Herring reported his player was safely on the team bus after his medical procedure and the anaesthesia was wearing off.
"He's ginger and slow, and of course there will be no extra-mural activities for a couple of weeks."
Otago last held the coveted 'Log o' Wood' in 2013, when they also lifted it off Waikato and then lost it to Hawke's Bay the following week.
Ironically, Otago will host Hawke's Bay in next week's Mitre 10 Cup semi-finals - fortunately, not a Ranfurly Shield.
Presumably, Nareki will be unavailable for selection.
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