The Battle of the Bays begins

The big Ranfurly Shield clash between holders Hawke's Bay and challengers Bay of Plenty has just kicked off in Napier.

A big crowd is in good voice at McLean Park for the first Ranfurly Shield challenge between the two fierce rivals since 1922. That game won 17-16 by Hawke's Bay was the first of 43 encounters between the two proud unions in the Battle of the Bays.

Statistics are in the Steamers favour today. Since 1922, Bay of Plenty have won 25, Hawke's Bay 17, with one drawn match. Last year at ASB Baypark, Bay of Plenty Steamers defeated the Magpies 24-20.

We will be regularly updating the game today with live scoring and a match report.

Keep checking for live updates, including with the team's Tweets below.

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