That is the final whistle, brilliant game here in ECOLight Stadium, Pukekohe, Auckland. Waikato finished strong but it was not enough to make history and retain the Ranfurly Shield twice in the same season. Counties Manukau come out deserving winners of the Shield and secure the 5 points in the ITM Cup. Great game for the Counties home fans and a great game to watch from a spectator's point of view with 7 tries and plenty of action. Thank you for tuning in hope you enjoy the rest if the days action.

There is alot of action in this second half from both sides and is a brilliant game from a spectators point of view. Sherwin Stowers makes a break and sets up Tony Pulu for Counties 4th try and bonus point try of the game. Baden Kerr is on hand again to add the extras.

More great rugby from Waikato leaves them only 5 points off Counties now with over 20 minutes to play. A great ball from Whaerenui Hawera puts Sam Christie over the line. Trent Renata adds the 2 from the conversion.

For the second time in this game Waikato respond immediately to Counties with a 7 pointer of their own this time through back row forward Rory Grice with Trent Renata adding another 2 points to his name from the conversion.

Against the run of play Counties get a turnover creating a counter attack and turning into a 7 pointer through number 8 Fritz Lee and the boot of Baden Kerr.

Great start to the second half by Waikato, coming out with real intensity but handling errors let them down and allow Counties to clear their line.

After short half time break we are into the second half of this ITM Cup clash with Counties Manukau getting us underway.

Baden Kerr has the final say of the half as Chris Pollock blows for half time in this Ranfurly Shield game. Both teams playing solid attacking rugby with the differences between the teams the penalty counts and defensive errors. Hopefully we can see more attacking rugby in the second half.

Waikato stay within reach of Counties with an immediate response from the kick off, winning a kick-able penalty inside the Counties half, Trent Renata adds the 3 points.

Counties extend their lead via a try from scrum half Augustine Pulu in the corner after a good attacking phase of rugby. Baden Kerr adds the extras from near the touch line.