Special Sub-Topic: Auckland Ranfurly Shield Click Here To Play: Auckland Ranfurly Shield

Auckland won the Ranfurly Shield from Canterbury on September 28th 1985, but what was the half time score?

Auckland 24 - Canterbury 0. The final score was Auckland 28-Canterbury 23. The tryscorers for Auckland were Joe Stanley, Terry Wright, John Kirwan, John Drake, and Steve McDowell.

Auckland had a stiff challenge in the second defence of the shield, and won 12-9 against who?

Counties. Auckland may have won the game, but Counties managed the games only try scored by McLean.

In the first challenge of the 1986 season, what was the score against Thames Valley?

97-0. Auckland turned down a penalty opportunity in the last minute which would have taken them to 100 points, and decided to try and score a try instead.

The first "Battle of the Bridge" game was held in 1986. North Harbour were at that stage in the second division. What was the final score?

18-6. Up until 1984, North Harbour formed part of the Auckland Rugby Union.

Which soon to be famous Rugby League player scored a hat-trick of tries for Auckland against Counties in 1989?

Matthew Ridge. Before finding fame as a television host, Ridgey played for both the Manly Sea Eagles and the Auckland Warriors in the ARL.

What was the most notable factor in the Canterbury Shield challenge in 1990?

There were no scrums. After their hooker was taken from the field, Canterbury claimed to not have a suitably experienced replacement, and the referee had to order that no scrums be packed down.

Who was Auckland's 50th shield defence against?

Otago. Auckland won the game 21-16.

How many tries did Auckland Winger John Kirwan score against North Otago in 1993?

8. His 40 points in this game set a new Ranfurly Shield record for most points in a single game.

What team finally stopped the Auckland Juggernaut and won the shield from them?

Waikato. The final score was 17-6 to Waikato. Ian Foster scored a famous try and dropped a goal to help take Waikato to victory at Eden Park.

Who was the Auckland coach when they lost the Ranfurly Shield in 1993?

Graham Henry. Henry later became famous as coach of the Welsh national side, before coming back to New Zealand as coach of the All Blacks.