The blue and gold claimed the Log o’ Wood in round eight of the 2025 NPC season, defeating the red and blacks 36-38 in what became one of the most-watched matches of the year.
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.
Ranfurly Shield challenge information:
- Current Holder: Otago.
- Status: Three successful defences.
- How they won it: Defeated Canterbury on 20 September 2025, 36-38. After being behind at half-time, Otago came back and took the lead in the 67th minute and held off the home team for the win.
- Next challenge: Canterbury, Sunday 9 August, 2:05pm kick off at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
In the 2025 provincial season, the Ranfurly Shield travelled over 2000 kilometres across New Zealand, changing hands five times in what became one of the most dramatic Shield seasons in recent memory.
Taranaki started the season as holders, before Waikato won in a dramatic one-point victory. Southland then stunned Waikato to holding the Shield for the first time in 14 years.
Canterbury claimed it right back after a busy week in the south. And Otago famously took the Shield in round eight from their northern neighbours in a two-point victory.