Ranfurly Shield 2010-2019
| Ranfurly Shield | |
|---|---|
 |
|
| Countries |
 New Zealand
|
| Champions |
 Taranaki |
| Matches played | 63 |
| Top point scorer |
 Ihaia West (158) |
| Top try scorer |
Ryan Tongia (12) |
| Official website | |
| www |
|
|
|
|
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.
The Shield is currently held by Taranaki who won it from Canterbury in a 55-43 victory in Christchurch on 6 October 2017. Canterbury held the shield for 7 defences from 28 September 2016 to 6 October 2017. Taranaki's first challenge was against Manawatu on 11 October.
After eight successful defences (six this decade), Southland lost the Shield to Canterbury in round 11 of the 2010 ITM Cup.
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.
After a streak of seven successful defences, Taranaki succumbed to Waikato in round 12 of the 2012 ITM Cup.
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.
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.
After eleven consecutive successful defences Hawke's Bay lost the Shield to Waikato in round 9 of the 2015 ITM Cup.
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.
...
Wikipedia