Waikato will hope for Ranfurly Shield challenge against TaranakiHagen Hopkins Taranaki will face potential Ranfurly Shield challenges from championship sides Waikato and Manawatu. Taranaki could face potential Ranfurly Shield challenges from Manawatu and Waikato after New Zealand Rugby completed the crossover draw for the 2018 Mitre 10 Cup. In the end Taranaki chose Manawatu in what could be a repeat of their first Ranfurly Shield defence this year, won 46-25 by the holders. With Waikato being demoted from the top division, they had first pick and, unsurprisingly, the chose to travel the reasonably short distance south to play what potentially could be a Ranfurly Shield challenge. At a glanceTaranaki's 2018 crossover matchesv Northland (away)v Bay of Plenty (away)v Manawatu (home)v Waikato (home)- Stuff

Source: Stuff November 08, 2017 02:25 UTC