Taranaki has taken rugby's Ranfurly Shield from Southland, winning a dour, try-less ITM Cup match 15-12 in Invercargill on Wednesday night.
Southland now faces relegation from the premiership.
Taranaki last won the Shield 15 years ago.
The visitors led 9-6 at half-time with first five-eighth Beauden Barrett kicking two of his five penalty goals in the second spell.
James Wilson kicked four penalties for Southland.
Earlier in the evening, Northland upset Hawkes Bay 43-34 in Whangarei, scoring six tries to three after leading 24-21 at half-time.
