The Ranfurly Shield is heading north.

For the first time since 1978, Northland have captured the famed Log of Wood, punishing Canterbury 36-12 in Christchurch.

The last time the union held the Ranfurly Shield, they were competing as North Auckland, and they had not beaten Canterbury since 1999.

But on the back of a quality set piece and strong defence, the Taniwha took everything the hosts threw at them and returned it with interest.

• More to come