Southland produced a stunning 10-25 victory over Waikato in Hamilton to seize the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 2011, ending Waikato’s reign after just one week.
Despite facing an All Blacks-laden opposition, the Stags held their hosts scoreless in the second half, with captain Sean Withy and midfielder Faletoi Peni leading a resilient defensive and attacking effort.
The win marks Southland’s eighth Shield triumph and their third consecutive NPC victory, a feat not achieved since 2013.
Jubilant celebrations followed the upset, though the Stags must now defend the prized trophy against unbeaten Canterbury in Invercargill next weekend.
