Jamie Hellur of Auckland tries to make a break during the round nine ITM Cup match between Southland and Auckland. Photo / Getty Images

 It’s always good to see an underdog holds it own, better when it not only thrashes one of the most affluent clubs but gets to retain THE Shield, and better when the trounced club is Auckland…of course, this will mean zip to overseas readers (imagine the SuperBowl but maybe played for 4-5 times a season) but as one who was a temporary Southlander in the early 80s and was there when they clawed their way in the First Division, Southland’s retention of the Shield is a great achievement…a massive morale spike in our southernmost province that can only be a good thing…