Canterbury vs Otago (Ranfurly Shield)

[Duluth]

George Bridge, Poasa Waqanibau, Tim Bateman, Rob Thompson, Josh McKay, Richie Mo'unga, Mitchell Drummond, Luke Whitelock (c), Matt Todd, Reed Prinsep, Dominic Bird, Mitchell Dunshea, Siate Tokolahi, Ben Funnell, Daniel Lienert-Brown

Reserves: Nathan Vella, Alex Hodgman, Oliver Jager, Tom Sanders, Billy Harmon, Ere Enari, Brett Cameron, Braydon Ennor

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/96150046/matt-todd-returns-to-canterbury-team-for-ranfurly-shield-defence-against-otago

[Kiwidom]

Otago : Vilimoni Koroi , Mitchell Scott,Jona Nareki Sio Tomkinson,Tei Walden , Josh Ioane Jonathan Ruru
Adam Knight ,James Lentjes ,Dillon Hunt,Josh Dickson,Blair Tweed, Donald Brighouse ,Aki Seiuli , Sam Anderson- Heather (c )
Reserves : Sekonaia Pole , Craig Millar , Hisa Sasagi Josh Furno , Sione Teu ,Josh Renton ,Fletcher Smith ,Leroy Van Dam

[Stargazer]

A Canterbury Rugby Union spokesperson said a bug had laid several players low with flanker Reed Prinsep, fullback George Bridge, wing Josh McKay and reserve backrower Billy Harmon all ruled out.

Tom Sanders replaces Prinsep on the blindside flank with Caleb Makene at fullback and Brayden Ennor on the left wing.

Flanker Jed Brown, lock Hamish Dalzell and outside back Inga Finau have been added to the reserves bench.

Otago has made one change with Josh Furno replacing Blair Tweed and lock and Tom Rowe joining the reserves bench.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/provincial/96203154/canterbury-make-four-changes-after-virus-sweeps-through-ranfurly-shield-team

[Stargazer]

Great try Otago!

[chimoaus]

Well constructed try to Otago. 5-3 up. Drummond needs a haircut.

[Stargazer]

Typical try off a driving maul from Ben Funnell.

[Stargazer]

Funnell already looked injured before the Otago try. Not surprised he's left the field.

[Cyclops]

Good opportunity for Otago here with Canterbury forced to scratch 5 starters due to a bug sweeping through the team. According to the stuff commentary they tried to scratch Whitelock and Thompson as well and were told they couldn't and they had to start. Funnell off as well. Should make for a tough battle

[Stargazer]

Messy game this.

[Stargazer]

How many penalties until the ref hands out a YC? Otago already penalised 11 times.

[Stargazer]

It took a while, but that was a great team try from Canterbury.

[Stargazer]

It's getting close. Otago definitely not giving up on the Shield. Canterbury lead 20-19. 13 minutes to go.

[Stargazer]

Geez, what a try! Nareki! Otago in front!

[taniwharugby]

go 'tago!

[Higgins]

Damn, the conversion hits the post and deflects away!

[Stargazer]

Geez, Canterbury do it again. Try Jed Brown.
I was just going to look up who would get the first challenge against Otago.

[pukunui]

How the fuck did Bird not get pinged for coming straight in the side of the ruck up the other end of the field? It was right infront of the ref. Should have been otago lining up a shot to make it a lead of 7.

[taniwharugby]

[Stargazer]

That was a great kick. Canterbury 30 - 24 Otago.

[Stargazer]

And it's over. Canterbury keep the shield. Who's next?

[African Monkey]

Always felt like Canterbury were gonna score after losing the lead which they did. Good game from both sides.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer Southland, see graphic above

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby Cheers! It didn't show initially, probably due to slow internet connection.