Counties-Manukau rugby fans now have a worry-free 20 days in which to enjoy having the Ranfurly Shield.
Their team beat Waikato 37-25 at Pukekohe yesterday, outscoring their neighbours four tries to three and notching up a second successful shield defence in a week.
The tries were executed clinically and the defence was rigorous.
Waikato threatened throughout, and had an early 8-7 lead. But they were down 20-11 by halftime.
Counties fan Daryll Robson said there were nervous moments. "It was a top game; it could've been anybody's - a real nailbiter. By the last 10 minutes we probably had it sewn up. They deserved to win."
