Canterbury's long wait for a Ranfurly Shield challenge will end on Saturday

Southland's triumph over Waikato has ensured the NPC competition leaders will head to Invercargill with the opportunity to claim provincial rugby's most prized possession.

Every other NPC side - and eight Heartland unions - have had at least one challenge since Canterbury relinquished the Log o' Wood to Taranaki in 2020.

It's unclear if lock Sam Darry will be available for Canterbury selection - he's been called into the All Blacks as injury cover for Patrick Tuipulotu.

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