Counties Manukau wins Ranfurly Shield from Northland

Counties Manukau has claimed the Ranfurly Shield from Northland following a 22-19 victory in Whangārei. Despite Northland sitting at the top of the points table, Counties Manukau secured the win through a late penalty kick by AJ Alatimu with less than two minutes remaining in the match.

Northland had previously held the shield after defeating Canterbury in August and had successfully defended it against Tasman and Waikato. This victory marks the second time Counties Manukau has won the shield, with their previous win occurring in 2013. Counties Manukau is scheduled to defend the shield against Hawke's Bay on October 3 in Pukekohe.