Ranfurly Shield
The Ranfurly Shield, also known as a log of wood, is the most prestigious trophy in New Zealand in the sport of Rugby Union. The first match for the Ranfurly Shield in 1904 was held. The competition is based today on a challenge system, rather than a league or knockout system. The holder of the Shield to defend the trophy in challenge games. If the challenger wins, it will be the new owner of the Shield.
Although the professionalisation of rugby has produced tournaments such as the ITM Cup and Super Rugby, the Ranfurly Shield is still regarded as the most important prize in New Zealand rugby. This is mainly due to its long history and the fact owe that every challenge has the character of a playoff to defend the Shield.
The current owner is the Shield Taranaki RFU. She won it against Southland Rugby in the twelfth round of the ITM Cup 2011.
History
1901 declared the then Governor-General of New Zealand, Uchter Knox, 5th Earl of Ranfurly, that he would the national rugby union New Zealand Rugby Football Union ( NZRFU ) donate a trophy. When her the cup (actually a bowl ) was presented, the NZRU decided that he should be given the best provincial team in 1902, which must then defend these in every home game.
The Shield was originally intended as a soccer trophy, and not as a rugby trophy. On the engraving in the middle of a football player was shown. The figure has been modified by adding times Tangen on soccer, so it looks like a rugby game scene.
The crew of the Auckland RFU, which remained unbeaten in 1902, was the first team won the Shield. 1903 toured Auckland and was for this reason no home games. Therefore, it had to protect not defend this year. The first defense was in 1904 against the RFU Wellington instead. She was unsuccessful, as Auckland lost with 3:6.
Since the introduction of the New Zealand Rugby League National Provincial Championship ( NPC) in 1976, all home games played by the shield - bearer in the NPC automatically challenges.
When the Canterbury RFU the Shield in 1994 won against the Waikato RU, he was in a bad condition. He had big plans and a lot of bumps. Nearly a century of use had left its mark. Canterburyspieler Chris England, a trained carpenter, restored the Shield and helped it regain its former beauty.
Regulate
The Shield holder at the end of each season is obliged to accept at least seven challenges for the next year. In addition to all home games during the championship (except in the knockout phase) of the Shield holders challenges of provinces from the other league must also assume before each season.
The shield - bearer can not be forced to defend the Shield in an away game, except when he has advocated explicitly decided. Auckland made this for example in a number of games during their record defending 1985 to 1993.
If a challenger wins the Shield, he is the defender of all remaining home games of the season.