Amidst rampant Lions fanfare, Ranfurly Shield rugby is back. Holders Canterbury tonight demolished Heartland champions Wanganui 71-5 in front of an alleged crowd of 3500 - many perhaps fancy-dressed as grey seats - at AMI Stadium in Christchurch. AdvertisementAfter winning a second minute penalty, lively young Canterbury halfback and skipper Jack Stratton took the three points on offer. Canterbury quickly got into gear, scoring twice from too-easy breaks from inside their own half, two line-out moves, and another wide one. After its 134th successful defence, Canterbury now takes the Ranfurly Shield on the road against Mid Canterbury in Ashburton on August 4, ahead of the Mitre 10 kicking off proper on August 17.

Source: New Zealand Herald June 21, 2017 09:22 UTC