itm cup
Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

Well there you have it folks a convincing enough win for the Counties Manukau as they defeat the Southland Steelers by 25-7. Southland went into this match hoping to get a win to confirm they're place in the semi-finals but will now have to wait another week before they can confirm they're spot. While The Steelers knew they could not rise or fall following this game they knew that giving up the Ranfurly Shield they had won last year was not an option, and they came good in the end. They now go into next weeks semi-final against Wellington full of confidence and will hope to add another piece of silverware to the trophy cabinet come the end of the season.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

The referee blows the full-time whistle with Counties Manukau defeating Southland and retaining the Ranfurly shield for another year.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

The cheers ring around the stadium as the Steelers fans will be delighted that their team is on their way to retaining the Ranfurly shield.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

Baden Kerr steps up to take the kick that effectively kills off any chance of a late comeback. Poor play from Southland as they fail to roll away and Kerr picks his spot and The Ranfurly Shield is going home.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

The Steelers empty out their bench. They feel this game might be over and will need they're star player for next weeks game against Wellington. The Stags have not done much after they're try will hope to get on the scoresheet quickly

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

You can hear Southland fans now as they now are cheering they're team on in hope of a late comeback but have they left it too late?

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

That's just what the doctor ordered for Southland as full back Robbie Robinson uses his strength and pace to get over the line to give The Stags hope in this game, With Eade getting the conversion we might have a game on here with 20 minutes to go.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

Umaga will be happy so far with his sides performance but he would want another try to end the match as a result and take off some players ahead of next weeks semi-final

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

Kerr gets a chance to add 3 more to the score but misses his second kick off the game.

Ultimate Rugby Oct 10

Taylor-Adams who came on for McKenzie at Out-half has had a nervous start to this second half failing to create anything and playing poor passes and will need to up his game if The Stags have any chance in turning this game around.