Hawke's Bay 24
Counties-Manukau 27
Counties-Manukau have overcome a mental barrier of 24 unsuccessful Ranfurly Shield challenges - including two draws - to take the prized trophy for the first time in the union's 58-year existence.
Hawke's Bay were defending for the first time in 44 years after taking it from Otago the previous week but could not hold off the spirit of the Tana Umaga-coached side. It is the first time Umaga has helped take the Shield too.
The result came amid dramatic final moments when a false hooter saw Counties replacement halfback Kane Hancy kick for touch. The kick was charged down, giving the Bay a last respite as their six-day reign neared an end. Moments late it had, after Counties scrambled to recover.
The country has been treated to a riveting 15 days of Shield rugby with Waikato, Otago, Hawke's Bay and now Counties-Manukau holding the log o' wood. It's as good as Lord Ranfurly could have hoped for when he commissioned the carved trophy which had its first challenge in 1904.