Canterbury will take the Ranfurly Shield back to Christchurch after beating Southland 26-16 in their national provincial rugby clash in Invercargill to reclaim the trophy.
The game was a classic Shield affair with both sides defending doggedly and playing for territory throughout the match on Saturday night.
Canterbury took a slight advantage into the second spell, leading the Stags 16-13 at halftime before scoring twice in the second half to seal the win and complete their successful Shield challenge.
The win lifts Canterbury to the top of the ITM Cup standings, while previous competition leaders Southland drop out of the top four into fifth place.
Southland won the Shield in Christchurch last season. Saturday's match was the seventh challenge.
The win means Canterbury now enters its 14th series as holder of the Shield. It first won the trophy in 1927.
