Southland's first serious Ranfurly Shield defense occurs today against Otago - a team that hasn't had the shield since 1957 (despite getting close numerous times). Southland won it last year from Canterbury, and have had two (easy) defenses this year, against North Otago (48-3) and Wanganui (62-6). The Ranfurly Shield, colloquially known as the Log o' Wood, is a trophy in New Zealand's domestic rugby union competition.

Rugby writer Steve Hepburn walks down memory lane, with the aid of some former players, as the two sides get ready to clash this Saturday for the log o’ wood. First played for in 1904, the Shield is based on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout competition as with most football trophies. A train headed south to Invercargill, a crowd of 17,500 rocked up, and 80 minutes of high drama played out. The last time Otago and Southland clashed in a Ranfurly Shield match was in 2010.