Otago Wins the Ranfurly Shield

For the first time since 1957, the Southern Men are the Ranfurly Shield holders.

Otago continued their strong start to the season with a superb performance against previous Ranfurly Shield holders, Waikato, in a thriller of a game - shame there wasn't a big crowd, so hopefully Forsyth Barr Stadium will be packed next weekend when the Shield is in Dunedin for the first time in 56 years.

TJ Ioane, on as a sub, scored the winning try - with a bit of luck, as the ball came off the feet of Jack Lam, to put Otago 26-19 up with 15 minutes to go. The Southern men thereafter defended with their heart and soul. This time, Lady Luck was on their side and they held on as a Waikato side laden with Super Rugby players failed to make any impact.

Otago's first Shield defence in 56 years, and first ever at the new covered stadium is against Hawkes Bay at 4:35pm on Sunday. Should they succeed, they will also have to probably defend the Shield against Manawatu, Southland and their toughest yet if they make it that far, Auckland.

But well done Otago! This Southern Man is quite happy indeed!!!!

WOOHOOO!

Anyway let's savour the moment now, bearing in mind that the last time Otago won the Shield -

-Dwight D Eisenhower was President of the United States

-Malaya (now Malaysia) was still a colony of the United Kingdom

- The European Economic Community (now the EU) was just formed

- Around the World in 80 Days won Best Picture at the Academy Awards

- Keith Holyoake was Deputy Prime Minister of New Zealand

In 1957, trams like this were still running up and down Dunedin's hilly streets