So much for the "Magic of the Ranfurly Shield".
The tired cliché, trotted out by hopeful commentators in every lopsided Shield challenge, received one of its most optimistic uses yet when Southland – losers of 17 straight games – held an 11-7 lead over Waikato with 30 seconds remaining until halftime.
In truth, nobody outside of Southland expected the 30 point underdogs to hold on, and sure enough, after kicking possession away with the halftime hooter nearing, Waikato came firing back, scoring through Sevu Reece to take the lead into the sheds.
Game over, wrote all impartial observers, and so it proved as Waikato piled on four second half tries to predictably run away with the contest and defend the Shield, 42-11.
Easy to say with the benefit of hindsight, you may allege, but consider this – When was the last time there was a truly stunning Shield upset?