Otago celebrate their Ranfurly Shield victory over Canterbury. Photo: Photosport
Otago have wrested the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury in an NPC thriller in Christchurch, with a 38-36 victory.
The southerners trailed Canterbury until 13 minutes from fulltime, when they took a two-point lead via a converted try.
They then held out their northern rivals in an intense final stanza, which was every bit as compelling as Canterbury's thrilling win in extra time to repel Tasman's challenge last weekend.
Otago's openside flanker Lucas Casey, who scored a brilliant try in the second half to put his side within reach of the lead, said they didn't really fire a shot in the first half, but were still in with a chance.
"The belief in this team is unbelievable,'' he told Sky Sport. "This week we really channelled those have gone before us, as well as our province.
"I hope it showed out there."
Otago last won the trophy in 2020, losing to Hawke's Bay in its first defence, and becomes the fifth team to hold it this season. They will defend the shield against North Harbour next Saturday.
See how the game unfolded here:
