By Dylan Moran
Taranaki will keep the Ranfurly Shield for the summer, defeating challengers Hawke's Bay with a comfortable 29 -11 win in New Plymouth this afternoon.
Hawke's Bay last won the shield back in 1966, and early on had their backline clicking, the home side taking a while to find their feet - unable to finish, but dotting down moments later.
Taranaki heading into the sheds up 16-3, and they continued to dominate in the second as the shield slipped away from the Bay.
A late try was little consolation as their challenge failed 29-11.
Earlier this afternoon Southland confirmed they’ll be relegated to the Championship after going down 29-17 to Bay of Plenty and Canterbury have booked themselves a place in the ITM Cup Premiership final after beating Otago 29 -16 last night.
The Razorbacks scored the first try at their new stadium, but the Cantabs soon clicked into gear, with Tom Taylor showing plenty of pace.
Robbie Fruean confirmed the victory with a late intercept, but his team failed to score the fourth bonus point try which would have earned them hosting rights for next week's final.
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