Ranfurly Shield

Otago take Log o' Wood off Taranaki

Taranaki claimed the coveted prize last weekend, with All Black brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett helping them edge Canterbury 23-22 in Christchurch.

But the Bulls' latest reign has proved short-lived, thanks to an impressive performance from Otago.

Using the blustery wind to their advantage, the visitors powered out to 22-5 lead at the halftime break and the buffer was too much for Taranaki to overhaul.

Otago comfortably held on to grab the Shield for the the third time in last decade.

     

The Log o' Wood is on the move

Taranaki's beaten Canterbury 23-22 in an absorbing Shield match in Christchurch, with All Blacks fullback Jordie Barrett kicking the match-winning penalty goal from 50 metres out in the 74th minute.

Chiefs flanker Lachlan Boshier then forced a turnover in the closing moments when Canterbury was inside the Taranaki 22 to secure the Log o' Wood for the Amber and Blacks.

They had led 20-3 at halftime, but the holders scored three unanswered tries in the second-half to snatch the lead before Barrett's monster kick.

Waikato take Ranfurly Shield from Taranaki

The win lifts Waikato to second on the Championship ladder and marks three years to the day since they last lifted the Shield against Hawke's Bay who they'll play in their first defence on Thursday.

It took just 90 seconds for Waikato to get on the board when skipper Dwayne Sweeney scored the opening try of the match.

Taranaki answered back not long after when the Waikato defence paid too much attention to Seta Tamanivalu and left a gaping hole for sevens speedster Regan Ware to score.

Taranaki see off Manawatu in Shield defence

Taranaki dominated the set pieces with their scrum particularly strong and led 31-14 at halftime.

The home side outscored Manawatu six tries to three.

Taranaki's next defence if against Waikato in two weeks

     

Canterbury wins Ranfurly Shield

RNZ reports Waikato scored three tries to the visitors two, but Canterbury kicked their goals taking penalty opportunities when they were on offer.

Canterbury led 20-12 at half time.

The game was level at 23-all late on, but Waikato couldn't get their hands on the ball and Canterbury kicked two late penalties.

Johnny McNicholl and ben Funnell scored tries for Canterbury while Richie Mo'unga kicked two penalties and two conversions and Jordie Barrett kicked three penalties.