Second-half forward dominance has led the Southland rugby team to their first Ranfurly Shield defence, beating North Otago 48-3 in Invercargill.
The Stags only led 10-3 at half-time but ran in six tries in the second half as their pack stepped up.
The seven tries to none demolition is the first Shield defence of the new era for Southland.
Their next defence is against Whanganui in two weeks.