Counties Manukau have beaten Southland 25-7 in Pukekohe, to retain provincial rugby's Ranfurly Shield for the summer.
Counties scored three tries before half-time, when the Steelers led 22-0.
Southland replied with a converted try after the break, to a Counties penalty.
The Stags are now in danger of missing out on the Championship semi-finals - Southland need Tasman to beat Manawatu on Sunday afternoon in Nelson.
