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Southland stun Waikato to win Ranfurly Shield

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, August 31st 2025 at 17:04 GMT by The New Zealand Herald
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Southland snatches the Ranfurly Shield from Waikato – a 14‑year drought finally ends

In a match that felt like a “last‑man‑standing” drama for both sides, Southland’s NPC team outclassed Waikato 31‑18 on Saturday night in Invercargill, lifting the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in fourteen years. The win came not only as a historic triumph for a provincial side that has long been seen as a mid‑tier club, but also as the clincher of Southland’s season: the victory sealed their promotion to the Premiership division for 2024.

A trophy that has haunted the Southland faithful

The Ranfurly Shield, often called “the Log” or “the Bank of New Zealand trophy”, has been a source of regional pride since 1904. Southland last held the coveted log in 2009, when they defeated Bay of Plenty in a high‑scoring thriller. Since then the Shield has changed hands many times, but Southland had not been able to hold onto it. The 2023 win is therefore more than just a game; it is a redemption story for a team that has long been on the cusp of national prominence.

The match itself – a battle for the Shield and the Championship

The game was played at Rugby Park, a venue that has hosted Ranfurly Shield bouts for decades. With a packed crowd of over 6,000 supporters, the atmosphere was electric. Waikato entered the game with the Shield in hand, having won it the previous season from Southland in a dramatic close‑knockout match that finished 34‑23. The Shield was defended in two challenges – against Otago and then Wellington – before Southland’s historic win.

Southland opened the scoring with a try by scrum‑half Matthew O’Rourke, which was converted by prop James Gaskin. The points gave the home side an early psychological edge. Waikato responded in the 22nd minute with a penalty by their fly‑half, but the momentum swung back to Southland when fullback Dylan McDonald crossed the line for a long‑range try, which Gaskin converted to make it 14‑3.

In the second half, Southland’s forwards, who had been dominant in the rucks throughout the season, broke the deadlock with a second try from flanker Alex McLeod. The conversion was successful, pushing the score to 21‑3. Waikato fought back with a counter‑attack, but Southland’s defense – led by the “wall” of their lock, Matt McGowan – held firm. A penalty in the 70th minute, awarded for a knock‑on by Waikato, gave the home side an added advantage, but it was not enough to change the game’s outcome.

The final 11 minutes were a showcase of Southland’s resilience. In the 76th minute, winger Ben McNaught scored a blistering try that capped off a brilliant break from the backline. The conversion was missed, but the try pushed Southland’s lead to 31‑18. Waikato had a last‑gasp try but the referee penalized them for a high tackle; the penalty was missed by their kicker, sealing the match.

Quotes from the sidelines

Southland coach Chris Hill described the night as “a culmination of everything we’ve worked for over the past year.” He added, “The guys came out with a hunger that was visible, and that hunger paid off. It’s a moment for all of Southland.”

James Gaskin, the captain of the Shield‑winning team, expressed immense pride. “It’s about the legacy of Southland rugby. Every generation has worked for this. To see the flag go up tonight is something that will stay with me forever.” He also noted the importance of the win for the club’s future, stating that “the promotion to the Premiership will open new doors for our players and supporters.”

Waikato’s fly‑half, who had taken the penalty that sparked Southland’s comeback, conceded defeat with humility. “It was a tough loss, but we had a good game. We’re going to regroup and come back stronger next season.” He added, “The Shield is a prestigious trophy, and while we’re disappointed, we respect the Southland team.”

The wider significance – more than a trophy

Winning the Ranfurly Shield is a cultural event in New Zealand rugby, but for Southland, the implications go beyond silverware. The NPC Championship final is also a promotion decider; the victory secures Southland’s entry into the Premiership division for 2024, where they will compete against the top provincial teams, including Auckland, Canterbury, and Wellington. This step up will bring increased funding, sponsorship, and higher standards of training for the players.

Moreover, the win has a social impact. The Southland Rugby Union, with its long history of community involvement, sees the Shield as a beacon of hope for the region’s youth. “The Ranfurly Shield will inspire the next generation of rugby players in Southland,” said Union President Helen MacDonald. “It’s a symbol that success can come even from the smallest of communities.”

Looking ahead

Southland will now focus on the challenges of the Premiership, which will involve tougher opposition and more demanding fixtures. “We’re not going to get complacent,” Chris Hill warned. “We will need to keep working, especially in the forwards, to maintain the physical edge that helped us win the Shield.”

Meanwhile, Waikato will regroup. Their experience as Shield holders will remain a valuable asset, and they are likely to use the disappointment as a catalyst to rebuild.

For Southland, the 31‑18 victory over Waikato was more than a win; it was a triumph that will be remembered for generations. The Ranfurly Shield has once again moved into the Southland fold, its flag now fluttering over Rugby Park and the hearts of a proud provincial community.