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Rugby: Taranaki get hands back on Shield
Taranaki wrestled the Ranfurly Shield away from Southland in a double dose of disappointment for the Stags.
Taranaki wrestled the Ranfurly Shield away from Southland in a double dose of disappointment for the Stags.
For the second time in two years, an underdog Southland side travelled up to Christchurch and against all expectations prised away the Ranfurly Shield.
Southland lifted the Ranfurly Shield with 22-19 victory ending Canterbury's tenure at just two matches.
Colin Slade will take his first steps towards a place in the World Cup squad this weekend.
Rugby Southland say the "extremely challenging" rugby environment is behind the union's loss of almost half a million dollars.
24 times they've tried and 24 times they've failed. But Counties Manukau are still confident they can win the Ranfurly Shield tomorrow.
Canterbury has been bolstered by the return of All Blacks Owen Franks and Brad Thorn for their first Ranfurly Shield defence.
It was bitter-sweet as Southlanders farewelled the Ranfurly Shield to Canterbury last night.
Tim Shadbolt retained the mayoralty but another reign ended in Invercargill tonight.
The All Black selectors seem hell-bent on taking as many World Cup prospects as they can to Europe - but who is the best choice to back-up number seven ?
Southland's Ranfurly Shield run has been a 'beacon of hope' for a battered province. Will the dream run end tonight?
Canterbury welcome back hooker Corey Flynn for their ITM Cup match and Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland on Saturday.
Southland have given the people of the embattled province some much-needed cheer with a rousing Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland
Wellington coach Andre Bell is under no illusions of the task ahead of his team when they take on Canterbury on Saturday.
Keep up to date with all the action in tonight's Ranfurly Shield clash between Southland and Auckland in Invercargill.
Auckland have restored All Black midfielder Benson Stanley for tonight's Ranfurly Shield challenge.
The Ranfurly Shield is up grabs but both Southland and Auckland have avoided making it a main focus ahead of Thursday's clash.
Southland Rugby is certain tomorrow night's Ranfurly Shield match will go ahead against Auckland in Invercargill.
Auckland have made six changes for their Ranfurly Shield challenge tomorrow, reintroducing several All Blacks.
No less than 18 All Blacks are about to start filtering back into the national provincial championship.
It was little more than a year ago when the All Blacks' first five-eighths pecking order seemed set.