The Ranfurly Shield has a new home.
Southland has beaten Canterbury 9-3 in Christchurch to win the Shield for the first time in 50 years. The win also guarantees the Stags a place in the Air New Zealand Cup semi-finals next weekend.
In a try-less match, the boot of Robbie Robinson proved the difference as the Southland fullback kicked three penalties in wet and windy conditions.
All Canterbury could muster was a Stephen Brett drop goal midway through the first half. The scores were locked at 3-all at half-time.
Invercargill mayor Tim Shadbolt, speaking from Mongolia, says he is ecstatic at the win. He says a ticker tape parade is planned for the team when it returns to Invercargill.
