South Island Shield Challenge in NPC round 2
The Ranfurly Shield is back on the line for the first time this NPC season, when Canterbury travels to southern rivals Otago.
Otago claimed the Log o’ Wood in round eight of the 2025 NPC season, defeating Canterbury 36-38 in what became one of the most-watched matches of the year.
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It would be the first time in recent memory for the Shield to be won, lost and then won again by the same team if Canterbury were to win this weekend.
Christian Lio-Willie and Cam Millar ran the show for Otago in their round one victory over Southland on Stag Day, 41-14. Meanwhile, Canterbury’s talisman Richie Mo’unga set the match against Auckland alight in the dying embers, scoring the winning try in a 38-31 scoreline.
The Shield remained in Otago as they defended it against North Harbour in last year’s competition. It’s since been defended twice in the preseason, against North Otago and Mid Canterbury.
If the red and black were to win this weekend, Canterbury would pull away from Auckland for the most times winning the Shield from the holder.
Canterbury has won it on 17 occasions, compared to Auckland's 16. Auckland edge the Cantabrians in terms of number of successful defences though, defending the Shield on 148 occasions, compared to Canterbury's 142.
The game kicks off at 2.05 on Sunday in Dunedin
