Rugby: Shield stays in Christchurch

Canterbury has retained the Ranfurly Shield with a gripping 29-26 win over Otago at Jade Stadium.

Otago first five Tony Brown opened the scoring in the first minute of the match with a drop goal however Canterbury winger Marika Vunibaka answered soon after with a try.

But the visitors went to the break with an 18-14 lead thanks to tries to winger Hayden Reid and fullback Justin Swart.

Halfback Byron Kelleher dotted down four minutes after the break, giving Otago a 26-19 lead when Canterbury's Vunibaka once again replied with a crucial score.

And the Cantabs sealed the match with a try to Caleb Ralph five minutes from full time.

Ben Blair chipped in with four penalties and a conversion for Canterbury, while Tony Brown added 2 penalties and a conversion for Otago.

- IRN