Southland has held onto the Ranfurly Shield with a 16-12 victory over Otago in Invercargill.
Otago led 9-6 at half-time and were 12-9 ahead until 12 minutes from time when Southland captain Jamie McIntosh scored the only try of the match.
Southland's fourth defence is against Counties-Manukau next weekend.
Earlier in the National Provincial Championship, Waikato snatched a last-gasp try to beat Auckland 21-18 at Eden Park.
The half-time score was 13-13. Both sides scored two tries but the clincher was the one dotted down by Waikato winger Dwayne Sweeny after the full-time hooter had sounded.
