29 Aug 2011

Taranaki keep Ranfurly Shield for the summer

9:18 am on 29 August 2011

Rugby's Ranfurly Shield will stay in New Plymouth for the summer after Taranaki defeated Hawke's Bay 29-11 in their final ITM Cup match.

Four days after defeating Southland in Invercargill Taranaki scored two tries to one and led 16-6 at half-time with first-five Beauden Barrett kicking all seven goals he attempted and scoring 19 points.

The season's not over for Hawkes Bay though with a match to be played against the Championship leaders Manawatu next week, the winner promoted to the Premiership next season.

Bay of Plenty beat Southland 29-17 in the afternoon match in Invercargill after leading 15-7 at half-time.