Raeburn Shield

The upcoming test between Japan and NZ is a good chance to promote the game in Japan ahead of the RWC in 2019. It's a chance for NZ to develop some players and return Carter and McCaw to fitness and it also provides a test yardstick for Japan to see where they stand.

But you may not realise there's a trophy up for grabs in this game: the oldest of its kind in rugby. The Raeburn Shield was the trophy up for grabs when the first international test match was played between England and Scotland at Raeburn Place in 1871. Scotland won that game in Edinburgh and ever since the title has been up for grabs. Fast forward to 2012 and England secure the trophy as well as the Hillary Shield by virtue of their emphatic defeat over NZ. Wales took that in the Six Nations finale and then the aptly named Brave Blossoms took it off Wales in June and have since defended it against Canada and USA.

So a little known trophy is up for grabs in this test match as if these two sides needed more motivation. If you want to find out past winners and trace the trophy back to that first game, visit the site raeburnshield.com

Awesome fact! Can you imagine if Japan beat the All Blacks? It would be insanity. The rankings would turn on their head.

Fantastic. I was wondering who held it.

Here's their web page: http://www.raeburnshield.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=24&Itemid=40

Thanks bc for the link. Typing on the train on my phone and cumbersome to copy and paste links.

An interesting thing when you look at the past holders like SA and holding it for over 1000 5000 days ( edit: biltong   ) and then see how few defences there were.

I like the fact that the RWC winner always gets the shield as all games lead to that final regardless who qualifies for that tournament. I do like how Japan are current holders. It's like Ranfurly Shield intrigue but this is so much harder to keep as it's up for grabs every game home or away.

Swings and roundabouts. The boks were a peerless side in the 30's.

I didn't even know it existed.  

This is a pretty cool thing but a shame we've never heard of it. Quite unique in international rugby. Good spotting Kia. SA had it for 5,845 days for 12 defenses between 1937-53 but ABs hold the record of 18 defenses over 1,155 days. And second, and third, and fourth record number of defenses.

Sorry just took an example but the 5000 + day example is very impressive.

Amazing how little is published about this. Perfect way to set up this test match and zip reported in the media by these amateur hacks we have.

http://www.espnscrum.com/2011-rugby-world-cup/rugby/story/134739.html

http://www.theroar.com.au/2012/09/02/remember-the-raeburn-shield/

http://www.lassen.co.nz/pickandgo.php?spec=raeburn%20shield#hrh

Good work bc. How sad that an American and Aussie site pick up the story and mainstream media in NZ have nothing about it.

Looks impressive for sure, WW2 may have accounted for a couple thousand days, but still, 3,000 days (or whatever it is) to hold a trophy is a neat stat. Yeah, how about the hacks give this ancient trophy some love. Wonder if emack will mention it in the chronicles? Maybe it used to be important?

Biltong wrote:I didn't even know it existed.  

 I didnt either, but thats probably because it doesnt exist. but what a neat concept.

Makes sense a World XV, Barbarians and Lions side can never contest the virtual trophy.

I bet Pat picks it up. He probably googles himself once a week.

It exists Laurie and yet it does not. Much like an All Black defeat.   

Kia I definitely know All Black defeats dont exist, but there has been the odd occasion when the opposition have scored more points.

Ah, it's an alternate reality, duh. Neat concept and a shield like this would be great for underdog psyches. The ABs could offer up one off its trophies in the cabinet for it. Put ones balls on the line in every match. Start something like the Ashes did. Maybe not.

ebop wrote:Ah, it's an alternate reality, duh. Neat concept and a shield like this would be great for underdog psyches. The ABs could offer up one off its trophies in the cabinet for it. Put ones balls on the line in every match. Start something like the Ashes did. Maybe not.

You expecting players to do a Buck Shelford?

What's that fa, like rip a nut sack? If that's what it took to win the prestigious shield, gotta do it ay.

Actually, maybe just a metaphorical nut sack:)

they don't make 'em like they used to huh!

It exists Laurie and yet it does not. Much like an All Black defeat.   

kiakahaaotearoa wrote:It exists Laurie and yet it does not. Much like an All Black defeat.   

It is like a Miff, it could be true, but not enough witnesses to corroborate the facts.  

Nice one Laurie. We could have an ostrich trophy for the best denial of our defeats... Which never happened. And I never told you what I didn't just tell you... But did tell you even though I was never here to tell you and this conversation was virtually existent, hence not tangibly real. Much like the Raeburn Shield.

Actually why dont they just admit they havent got a cup and call it the ostrich cup. and every time any one wins it just give them something thats lying about like a stick, an empty beer can, an old potato crisps bag anything.

I heard it as its own song as well.

 I'm the Raeburn shield, in a virtual world,
It is virtual, so sur-real
you can't touch it, you can't see it.
But it's there.

It can go anywhere....... 

You could also include moral victories and give them some navel flint. I'm sure other countries could offer us a used tissue for when we lose.

I do like the concept of the Raeburn Shield. I just think it has promotional issues.

Good minstrel skills there biltong. Maybe the raeburn shield will turn up in the App Store. Can't be worth more than a $1, surely.

What the Raeburn shield offers, is a "competition/trophy" that could traverse across both Hemispheres and be competed for 12 months of the year.

We could perhaps use a Braeburn Apple that's been preserved in a thin veneer of gold and that could be the trophy. I'm sure if an actual trophy existed we'd talk about it more.

Like so many things passed do they still contest the Coronation Shield,and the Haddon Shield.
Like so many trophies of the past ignored in the rush for money today.
Seems many of the first choice side will be playing some part plus the young hopefuls.
Reminds me of Nz Colts sides of the late 1950`s included ColinMeads and Kel Tremain plus
several others.That became famous All Blacks later on.

Well I hope its a real little trophy...not a lot of room left on that last shelf...

60 points? 80? Anyone for a century?

Unless of course Wayne Barnes is the ref in which Japan by 3

No Tv coverage of game that I can see,England versus Aus getting mega coverage from Sky.
Which to be fair is the most important from UK viewers point of view.

See Ben Smith is playing to give him more time at 13 and probably work up a combination with Saili. Good mix of youth and experience and looking forward to seeing Halai in action.

The Raeburn Shield back on the virtual mantlepiece where it belongs.  

France, England and Ireland all have a chance now to claim it back for the Northern Hemisphere.