Their first Ranfurly Shield victory came in 1913 when Auckland was defeated 14-11. Six successful defences followed before a 12-6 loss to Wellington in September 1914. In 1957 current shield holders Wellington was defeated in a friendly match early in the year and a rematch was scheduled for later in the season. However Otago defeated Wellington, but Otago accepted a special challenge by Taranaki. The match was played on 28 September, the last Saturday of the season, after King Country gave up its scheduled fixture with Taranaki. Taranaki won against Otago for them to, later on, go a 13-match tenure.