If you like rugby, racing and beer, it does not get much better than today.

With the 101st Sires at Awapuni, Harness Racing at Manawatu, Club rugby kicking off and the Highlanders v Bulls we are spoilt for choice.

But all true Sky Blue supporters will be on the sidelines at the Institute to witness what promises to be a highly competitive game against regining Hankin Shield holders Kia Toa.

This promises to be a very exciting afternoon with two sides that should feature when we get to the business end of the season. Although many will question whether Kia Toa where the best side in the competition last year, you cannot deny their quality. Last year we came a cropper twice after being out muscled in the forwards. Kia's are not just a big pack which will be strenghtened with the arrival Bertus Mulder.

Kurt Baker is a full back with outstanding natural talent. The contest I will be watchng will be between our new boy Casey Stone at full back against the current Turbos man Baker. I expect these two to battle out the No 15 jersey and today  will see the best two in the province go head to head.

It is also great to see young prop Peter McDavitt get a call up into the front row and I expect Kia's to target the front row. However, the Varsity pack looks a tougher proposition this year and will be strengthened with the experience of Rob "George" Foreman at hooker. This will help young McDavitt find his feet and he could be one of the finds of the season for Varsity. Varsity must also use their line out height to attack Kia's so Isaac Thompson's tatical kicking will be key if Varsity are to target the Kia's line out.

Everything looks promising from a Sky Blue point of view. Excellent pre season form with three wins against Waikato University, OBU and Dannevirke. The forecast is good so I am predicting a Varsity win be 13 under.

GO SKY BLUE!!