The All Black selectors seem hell-bent on taking as many World Cup prospects as they can to Europe - but who is the best choice to back-up number seven ?

Southland's Ranfurly Shield run has been a 'beacon of hope' for a battered province. Will the dream run end tonight?

Canterbury welcome back hooker Corey Flynn for their ITM Cup match and Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland on Saturday.

Southland have given the people of the embattled province some much-needed cheer with a rousing Ranfurly Shield defence against Auckland

Wellington coach Andre Bell is under no illusions of the task ahead of his team when they take on Canterbury on Saturday.

The Ranfurly Shield is up grabs but both Southland and Auckland have avoided making it a main focus ahead of Thursday's clash.

Southland Rugby is certain tomorrow night's Ranfurly Shield match will go ahead against Auckland in Invercargill.

Auckland have made six changes for their Ranfurly Shield challenge tomorrow, reintroducing several All Blacks.

No less than 18 All Blacks are about to start filtering back into the national provincial championship.

It was little more than a year ago when the All Blacks' first five-eighths pecking order seemed set.

Southland managed to withstand an immense Ranfurly Shield rugby challenge from Counties Manukau in Invercargill tonight.

Forget the Battle of the Bridge, between Auckland and North Harbour last weekend. Here's a real rivalry.