The first challenge for the Ranfurly Shield was made in 1904. Auckland were the original "holders" on the basis of having had the best record of any province in 1902. Wellington won that first Shield match 6-3 and held onto it through four challenges, the first one being from Canterbury who were beaten 6-3.

Wellington have won the Ranfurly Shield on nine occasions, including that first ever challenge. They have successfully defended it 36 times in all. Their longest tenure was 15 matches, 1914-1920 (no games being played during either World War). On no other occasion have they held onto it for more than five defences. In 1981 Wellington won the Shield from Waikato, but five matches later were relieved of it by none other than Canterbury. They have made eight unsuccessful challenges since.

Canterbury first won the Ranfurly Shield in 1927 and lost it the following year after just one successful defence. Canterbury, like Wellington, have held the Shield through nine tenures. The difference is that on six occasions they have successfully defended it for eight or more matches, including 22 or more successive defences on three occasions, one of those being their present "reign". They have won 107 defences prior to the match detailed below.

THIS WEEK'S BIG MATCH: Wellington take on Canterbury on Saturday, September 27th, 2003, in a regular NPC match but with the Ranfurly Shield at stake. Previous history will have no bearing on the outcome of this one. It will come down to which team plays better on the day (and scores more points - obviously!). Less than a week out from the game (and two-thirds of the way through the 9-match NPC competition), Wellington sit at the top of the table with 20 points, joint leaders with Waikato. Canterbury are in third place, just two points behind.

Wellington played very well in their 48-20 demolition of Taranaki in New Plymouth this past weekend. Canterbury, after away losses to their two southern competitors, rose to the occasion to fend off Waikato, 35-24, in last Saturday's Shield clash. Canterbury still have it in them to fight to the last to retain the Shield, particularly if Andrew Mehrtens is in the team and playing well. On the other hand, Wellington at their best can beat any other team. It depends to some degree on who's in the Canterbury team on the day (bearing in mind they're currently without the services of 13 All Blacks) and whether Wellington play at the brilliant level we know they're capable of. I think that Canterbury might just hold on. On the other hand, it won't necessarily come as a surprise if Wellington succeed in bringing back the "Log o' Wood" for the first time in more than 20 years!

THE OUTCOME: The match was drawn which means that the holder retains the Shield. Canterbury had dominated the match and were up 20-10 at halftime. With 15 minutes remaining they led 35-10. Wellington then launched "one of the greatest finishes in NPC history" in scoring four late tries to level the score at 38-38, but it was too late to win the match and claim the Shield.