Otago's Alando Soakai dives under Wellington's Api Naikatini in the Air New Zealand Cup rugby match at Westpac Stadium, in Wellington tonight. Photo by Ross Setford/NZPA.
Otago led 11-3 at half-time and was up 14-6 with less than 20 minutes to play.
But Wellington fired in the final quarter, scoring two tries against a shellshocked Otago side to hold on to the Log o' Wood.
Otago, which has not held the Shield since 1957, may get another chance in a few weeks if Wellington defends the trophy against Auckland but loses it to Canterbury.
Otago would be the first challenger in Christchurch.
Result of an Air NZ Cup/Ranfurly Shield rugby match played at Wellington tonight:
Wellington 23 (Daniel Ramsay, Hosea Gear tries; Daniel Kirkpatrick 2 pen, Fa'atonu Fili 2 con, drop goal)
Otago 19 (Chris Noakes, Adam Thompson tries; Chris Noakes 3 pen). Halftime: 3-11
