Ranfurly Shield: Live updates

Southland has beaten Otago 16-12 to retain the shield.

6.27pm: Some late emails coming through.

Some rooster called Jamie McGregor wants to have a civil union with Shaun Troon. Hmmm.

Dave Cannan says "dare we believe?". Obviously sent before the Mackintosh try.

And Peter Wright in Brisbane yells "come on Otago". Sorry Peter. 

 

6.24pm: Did I say bugger? 

 

6.21pm. Congratulations Southland.

You've breathed life into the Shield, you've got a ton of heart and you've got some bloody great supporters.

Go on and defend the Log for the rest of the year, please. 

 

6.18pm: Bugger.

Bugger, bugger, bugger, BUGGER.

Brave effort from Otago. Brave, brave effort.

But it's 22 failed Shield challenges and counting.

That hollow feeling in the stomach remains.

Why the HELL can't we win this damn shield?

 

6.15pm: Game over.

Southland winds the clock down.

Southland 16, Otago 12. 

 

6.13pm: Bugger. Southland penalty.

Why didn't Otago take some risks there and give the ball some air?

Two minutes to go. 

 

6.10pm: Otago hot on attack! 

 

6.08pm: Why do we put ourselves through this agony? 

 

6.04pm: Clock is ticking and this is AGONY.

Plenty of time left, but does Otago have anything left in the tank?

Come on somebody. One moment of inspiration is all we need. 

 

6.01pm: Ohhhhhhhh.

Sam Hibbard yellow card.

Jamie Mackintosh try.

And just like that, Southland has a 14-12 lead.

Stags deserved that.

Otago must dig deep now. 12 minutes to go. Otago MUST score next.

Wilson lovely conversion. Southland up 16-12. 

 

5.57pm: Great defence by Otago.

Southland hard on attack and throwing the ball around.

But Otago scrambling really well.

Huge display of guts by Otago. Really good stuff.

They want this shield bad. 

 

5.54pm: A Southland kick goes out on the full.

Otago goes on attack.

And Dickson kicks a drop goal!

Otago 12, Southland 9! 

 

5.51pm: Southland gets a penalty.

Wilson lines up.

This to level the scores . . .

And it's good.

9-9 with 22min to play! 

 

5.48pm: Otago flanker Eben Joubert is down hurt.

Shoulder?

Paul Grant on, so Thomson will move to 6. 

 

5.46pm: Southland gets a penalty and kicks for the corner.

Otago's defence has been magnificent. Will it hold up?

NOT STRAIGHT!

I repeat: everything going Otago's way . . .