The Shield could be bonkers this year

[Bovidae]

I was wondering this myself.

There haven’t been five holders since 1950 (Otago, Canterbury, Wairarapa, South Canterbury and, coincidentally, the last were Northland, who were then North Auckland)

[taniwharugby]

@Bovidae yep, if we won, we would have potentially 2 tough defences v NH then Waikato (in Kaikohe too) in the final round

If NH won, they would have a solitary defence v Counties, who if they won, would have a defence in final round v Southland

If HB defend it, they then have Manawatu who if they won woudl have Southland (who would then need to defend it against Otago, and if Otago won, well, lets not tal k about thier challenger) but if Manawatu won thier first defence, they would then face Taranaki, who if they won, woudl then put it up to HB for the final round, but if HB defend it v Manawatu, Wellington next, who if they won it, woudl have a sole defence vs Manawatu

[Bovidae]

The best record not to have is North Harbour's in 1996 - three unsuccessful challenges in 6 weeks (lost to Taranaki, Waikato and Auckland).

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby Nope, if the Magpies retain the Shield tomorrow, they first have a defence v Manawatu and then Wellington.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer see above

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby Bleh, you edited your post after I posted my response.

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer I had just finished editing as you posted, so bleh to you too

[Stargazer]

@taniwharugby

[taniwharugby]

@Stargazer moral of the story, if you gonna lose it, lose to either Northland or Wellington, def not Manawatu, as that opens a path up for Ta$man to get a shot, and no one wants that

[canefan]

@taniwharugby said in The Shield could be bonkers this year:

@Stargazer moral of the story, if you gonna lose it, lose to either Northland or Wellington, def not Manawatu, as that opens a path up for Ta$man to get a shot, and no one wants that

Wellington aren't great at winning it, and even worse at holding it

[Nepia]

@taniwharugby said in The Shield could be bonkers this year:

@Stargazer moral of the story, if you gonna lose it, lose to either Northland or Wellington, def not Manawatu, as that opens a path up for Ta$man to get a shot, and no one wants that

There's not one acceptable option on that list. We'll just have to take the not lose it option.

[taniwharugby]

@Nepia thats the selfish option, we are looking at continuing the Shield-go-round, as we would very likely lose to one of NH or Waikato

[ACT Crusader]

Taniwha we believe in you. It’s your time. Ranger to have a blinder.

[Nepia]

@taniwharugby said in The Shield could be bonkers this year:

@Nepia thats the selfish option, we are looking at continuing the Shield-go-round, as we would very likely lose to one of NH or Waikato

I'm very selfish.