Northland beat Canterbury to claim Ranfurly Shield
Northland defeated Canterbury 36-12 to claim the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 1978. The victory was driven by a strong set piece and intense defensive performance in Christchurch.
Why it matters
The Ranfurly Shield is a historic and prestigious trophy in New Zealand rugby, and this win marks a significant milestone for the Northland province.
For the first time since 1978, Northland have won the famed Log of Wood, punishing Canterbury 36-12 in Christchurch.
The last time the province held the Ranfurly Shield, they were competing as North Auckland, and coming into Thursday night’s clash they had not beaten Canterbury since 1999.
But on the back of a quality set piece and strong defence, the Taniwha took everything the hosts threw at them and returned it with interest.
“It feels unreal. I’ve been on the back end of some of these games, getting bloody hidings, and it’s unreal that I get to get a Shield challenge, win it, and it’s my 50th [game],” Northland loose forward Rob Rush told Sky Sport.
Rush was among the stars for Northland, with a massive work rate capped by two second-half tries.
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