The Ranfurly Shield has travelled south once again after Southland stunned Waikato with a courageous second-half performance to secure one of the most memorable wins in the province’s rugby history.
First Half: A Tight Arm-Wrestle
Played in wet and windy conditions, the opening forty minutes were dominated by tactical kicking and set-piece pressure. Southland started brightly with an early penalty from Byron Smith, but Waikato replied through forward pressure and a try to Manaaki Boyle-Tiatia. Despite long spells inside the Mooloo 22, the Stags couldn’t convert all their chances and went into the break trailing Waikato 10 – 8 Southland. Crucially, they would turn around with the breeze at their backs.
Second Half Surge
The shift in momentum came quickly after the restart. Southland’s forwards laid the platform with a dominant scrum, and Semisi Tupou-Tae’iloa crashed over for their first try. Minutes later, Nic Shearer finished brilliantly in the corner after a sweeping move down the sideline, Smith landing a superb conversion to open up a buffer.
The defining blow arrived with 20 minutes to play: Byron Smith’s clever chip over the top was regathered by Michael Manson and popped up for Fletcher Morgan to score near the posts. With Waikato’s discipline faltering and Southland controlling territory through the boot of Faletoi Peni, the Shield looked destined for Invercargill.
That winning feeling 🥹🛡️
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Final Minutes
Even as veteran Aaron Cruden entered the fray and Waikato pressed late, Southland’s defence held firm. Big plays from captain Sean Withy at the breakdown sealed turnovers at key moments, while the Stags’ kicking game repeatedly forced the hosts back into their own half.
When the final whistle blew, Southland’s players and supporters erupted – the Shield was heading back to the deep south.
A Historic Result
For a province that has endured lean years at NPC level, this was a moment to savour. The Stags’ mix of hard-nosed forward play, accurate kicking, and opportunistic finishing proved decisive as they closed out a 25–10 triumph.
Final score: Southland 25 – 10 Waikato
Half-time: Waikato 10 – 8 Southland
Southland now carry the weight – and pride – of defending New Zealand rugby’s most famous prize, with the Ranfurly Shield back in the deep south.