Under Siege, a 95-minute documentary chronicling Auckland’s extraordinary Ranfurly Shield reign from 1985 to 1993, is now available to watch for free, as the new Hilux NPC season kicks off.
Originally produced by TVNZ in 1994, the documentary details the complete story of Auckland’s eight-year vice-like grip on the Log o’ Wood.
The documentary revisits every challenge while speaking to the players, coaches and personalities who helped build one of provincial rugby’s greatest dynasties.
Auckland won the Shield from Canterbury in September 1985 (28-23 at Lancaster Park) before going on to defend it 61 times. Waikato was the side to finally end the reign with a famous 17-6 victory at Eden Park in 1993.
That match included a try and drop goal from a certain Ian Foster, and ended with Waikato captain John Mitchell lifting the Log o’ Wood high into the Auckland sky.
Featuring interviews with key figures from the era, match footage and behind-the-scenes stories, Under Siege captures the pressure, pride and expectation that came with defending New Zealand rugby’s most prized trophy.
The documentary offers a fascinating look back at a side stacked with All Blacks and emerging stars, and celebrates the challengers who travelled to Eden Park with hopes of wresting the Shield from Auckland to achieve one of provincial rugby’s toughest feats.
Published on the Provincial Rugby YouTube channel with permission from TVNZ, Under Siege is essential viewing for rugby fans and the perfect way to build into another season of Ranfurly Shield action.
Watch Under Siege now on YouTube: