Countries New Zealand Top point scorer Ihaia West (158) | Matches played 51 Top try scorer Ryan Tongia (12) | |
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Champions Canterbury
(next challenge: TBA) | ||
The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is perhaps the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition. First played for in 1904, the Ranfurly Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. The holding union must defend the Shield in challenge matches, and if a challenger defeats them, they become the new holder of the Shield.
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The Shield is currently held by Canterbury who won it from Waikato in a 29–23 victory in Hamilton on 28 September 2016. Beforehand, Waikato had held it for 6 defences from October 2015 to September 2016. Canterbury's first challenge was against North Harbour on 7 October.
2010
After eight successful defences (six this decade), Southland lost the Shield to Canterbury in round 11 of the 2010 ITM Cup.
2011
After only two defences, Canterbury lost the Shield to Southland in round 3 of the 2011 ITM Cup.
Taranaki claimed the Shield from Southland in a tryless encounter in round 12 of the 2011 ITM Cup to end Southland's two-game streak.
2012
After a streak of seven successful defences, Taranaki succumbed to Waikato in round 12 of the 2012 ITM Cup.
2013
Waikato lost the Shield to Otago in round 2 of the 2013 ITM Cup after having defended it against four challengers.
Otago would immediately lose the Shield, however, in round 3 against Hawke's Bay.
Hawke's Bay would also go on to lose the Shield immediately, against Counties Manukau in round 4. Counties Manukau won the Shield for the first time in the union's history.
2014
Counties Manukau would lose the Shield after in their seventh attempt to defend it they were beaten by Hawke's Bay in round 3 of the 2014 ITM Cup.
2015
After eleven consecutive successful defences Hawke's Bay lost the Shield to Waikato in round 9 of the 2015 ITM Cup.
2016
Waikato played three preseason matches against Heartland Championship sides Thames Valley, King Country and Wanganui between June and August 2016, winning all three matches.
After Waikato retained the Shield against the previous three Heartland Championship opponents, their next challenge was in round 2 of the 2016 Mitre 10 Cup against North Harbour. As Waikato won this match, their next opponent was Manawatu in round 3. They further defended the Shield against Manawatu and next defended it against Taranaki in Round 5.
Six defences after Waikato won the Shield, the "Mooloos" lost to Canterbury on 28 September. The scoreline was 23–23 after the 65th minute and Canterbury took the lead with a penalty kick from Jordie Barrett in the 69th minute. Barrett would extend the score to a six-point margin after a 75th-minute penalty. Canterbury's only defence of the season will be against North Harbour nine days later.
Canterbury started their defence of the new era by locking up the Shield for the summer, with a 47-18 smashing of North Harbour. Harbour was in the game at half time staying with Canterbury 15 all. Harbour edged in front after 43 minutes with a Bryn Gatland penalty goal before Canterbury run home 4 tries in the final 25 minutes. Canterbury will hold the Shield through summer for the first time since 2010.
Top points scorers
The following are the top ten points scorers for all Ranfurly Shield matches between 2010 and 2017.
Points scorers
Last updated: after Waikato's match against Canterbury on 28 September.
Try scorers
The following are the top ten try scorers for all Ranfurly Shield matches between 2010 and 2017.
Last updated: after Waikato's match against Canterbury on 28 September.