Northland ends near 50-year Ranfurly Shield drought
Northland defeated Canterbury to win the Ranfurly Shield, ending a 48-year drought for the team. The match saw a strong performance from the visitors, who maintained their lead through key tries and defensive efforts.
Why it matters
The Ranfurly Shield is one of the most prestigious trophies in New Zealand rugby, and this victory marks a significant historical milestone for the Northland region.
<p>Northland has made history down south, defeating Canterbury on home turf to end their 48-year wait for the Ranfurly Shield.</p> <p>The visitors were first on the board at One NZ Stadium in Christchurch, with James Mullan defying early pressure from the home team to break past two defenders and score the opening try. Rivez Reihana converted, putting the vistors up 0-7.</p> <p><b>Watch every NPC match live and free on </b><a href="https://www.tvnz.co.nz/sport" target="_blank"><b>TVNZ+</b></a><b> with three games also broadcast on TVNZ 1 each weekend.</b></p> <p>The Taniwha's joy was short-lived, though, with Canterbury's fast hands quickly setting up a try in the left corner for lock Tahlor Cahill. A missed conversion left them sitting on 5-7.</p> <p>Moments later Canterbury pulled ahead, with Jone Rova capitalising on a bold behind-the-back pass to run it in. Andrew Knewstubb converted to put the home side up 12-7.</p> <p>Northland wasn't taking that sitting down though.
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