Canterbury keep the Shield

Richie McCaw scored a try in his first match back for Canterbury tonight as they retained the Ranfurly Shield and gained maximum points in the NPC first division rugby competition against Southland.

Test flanker McCaw played for Canterbury B last weekend and was back in full inter-provincial action for the first time since he was forced to withdraw from the All Blacks during the test season in June.

He suffered headaches after concussion and was advised to skip the internationals.

"I felt good actually," he said after Canterbury's 52-13 win over Southland at Jade Stadium tonight.

Canterbury scored seven tries to two, with lock Chris Jack crossing for two and Southland getting their two in the last few minutes of the game.

Canterbury led just 14-0 at halftime with the help of penalty try but after grinding down the Southland pack in the second half they scored five more tries.

Canterbury 52 (Chris Jack 2, penalty try, Marika Vunibaka, Caleb Ralph, Richie McCaw, Scott Hamilton, tries; Daniel Carter pen, 4 con; Ben Blair 3 con).

Southland 13 (Bryan Milne, Ryan Glover tries; Richard Apanui pen).

Halftime: 14-0.

- NZPA

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