Southland has survived its first Ranfurly Shield defence of the domestic rugby season beating Counties-Manukau 22-14 at a rain-soaked Rugby Park in Invercargill.
Southland led 12-6 at half-time with first-five James Wilson kicking six from seven to score 17 of the Stags' points.
Josh Bekhuis got the the hosts' try while Grand Henson scored for the Steelers.
In the late game Waikato beat Tasman 35-6 in Hamilton, scoring a bonus point fourth try in the last minute.
