Canterbury have won back the Ranfurly Shield after beating holders Otago 19-15 in a classic Southern derby in Dunedin.

Otago hosted reigning NPC champions Canterbury in their round two match at Forsyth Barr Stadium, in what was a replay of the 2025 NPC final.

The Ranfurly Shield was on the line for the first time this season, but after three defences Otago’s eighth tenure with the Log o’ Wood came to an end.

Canterbury rugby have now won the coveted shield for a record 18th time.

Canterbury’s 2025 Ranfurly Shield tenure lasted just 14 days in September, when they won the shield from Southland, before losing it to Otago.

Otago winger Jona Nareki was denied the first try of the game as a result of a knock-on.

Canterbury captain Brodie McAlister scored the first points of the game with a try in the 16th minute, which was then converted by Richie Mo’unga.

Cam Millar got Otago on the board with a penalty but the home side, who had just as much possession as their rivals in the first half, couldn’t turn that into points.

They were further frustrated when Jamie Hannah scored Canterbury’s second try just before half-time for the challengers to lead 12-3.

Canterbury hooker Manumaua Letiu was sent off with a yellow card after repeated off-sides in the 55th minute.

McAlister had to go off briefly for an HIA (Head Injury Assessment) after referee Ben O’Keeffe bizarrely got tangled up in the action and inadvertently collided with McAlister.

That meant Canterbury had to play with just 13 under golden oldies rules, and Otago took advantage by driving over the line with Lucas Casey the tryscorer in the 54th minute.

Canterbury pushed their lead out again with a second try to McAlister, and Mo’unga’s conversion had them ahead 19-8.

But Otago fought back thanks to a try from Ben Lopas, which Millar converted to set up a tight showdown.

With just six minutes left, Canterbury were defending a narrow 19-15 lead. A desperate Otago made several drives towards Canterbury’s line but they managed to hold them off.

The Ranfurly Shield will go on the line next week when Canterbury meet Bay of Plenty in Christchurch.

See how it went down in our blog below: