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Canterbury celebrate Ranfurly Shield return with bigger goals ahead
Sport Nation • August 10th, 2026 1:15 pm
Canterbury win the Ranfurly Shield | Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
Canterbury have the Ranfurly Shield back in their hands - and they believe they're not done adding to the trophy cabinet yet.
Assistant coach Ryan Crotty was full of pride after his side dragged the Log O'Wood out of Dunedin and back to Christchurch after surviving a tense 19-15 arm-wrestle against Otago on Sunday.
"It's good to be home and good to bring the shield on the bus with us," Crotty told Sport Nation's Scotty & Izzy.
"There some very happy young men on that bus, for sure."
Crotty said captain Brodie McAlister was central to the win during his 50th game for the province, even after returning after an HIA.
“He doesn't speak too often, but when he speaks, everyone listens and he's just such a good rooster.
“He's massively respected in our group and he's leading really well and leading from the front, so it was nice when he passed HIA and he was okay to come back on.
“It's been awesome to see him flourish in the leadership role he's in.”
Richie Mo'unga is required to play NPC to be eligible for All Blacks selection | Photo: Michael Thomas/Photosport
Richie Mo'unga’s presence has also been a major lift for Canterbury, with Crotty sharing his value to the group goes well beyond what he does with the ball in hand.
“He's just such a good man. We all know him well, and he's just himself. He is just a top, top bloke.
“He adds just as much off the field as he does on it. He's got a great IQ, sees the game beautifully.
“But he’s just so easy to relate to for the younger boys, like you get him come back into the environment and he could sit down and have a coffee with the youngest bloke in the team, just as easy as he could, the coaches.
"He's just one of those guys that can connect across the group. I think it's his biggest strength outside of his footy playing ability - as a man and how much he adds to the culture."
But with All Blacks midfielder Billy Proctor returning to New Zealand, Canterbury are eagerly awaiting to see whether Mo'unga may be called upon as his replacement.
“I wouldn't be surprised if he's covering midfield over in South Africa in the next week for poor old Billy going down," Crotty admitted.
“We're on the bus with (head coach Alex Robertson) who said he hadn't had a call, so we're holding our breath.
“We love having him, but we're happy for him to go, mate. He belongs in the international arena, in my opinion, and it's a matter of time before he's back there.”
Jamie Hannah | Photo: John Davidson/Photosport
Crotty also highlighted the influence of Jamie Hannah, who continues to grow into a major figure for Canterbury.
“He eats rugby for breakfast, lunch and dinner, he loves code, he’s outstanding.
“The input he has and so many different facets of our game and meetings and his IQ of the game at such a young age, he just absolutely loves it.
“He froths the game and he's a competitor and he backs himself.”
Listen to the full interview below:
