In stark contrast to the feverish scenes of yesteryear when the Ranfurly Shield returned to Christchurch, last night's welcoming committee was sparse but enthusiastic.
Around 50 family, friends and well-wishers were at the airport to see the Log of Wood back to the garden City, five years after Southland beat the red and blacks and took it to Invercargill.
Fans of all ages were keen to get the obligatory photos and selfies with the time honoured trophy, after Canterbury beat holders Waikato on Wednesday.
The shield's return was delayed because the side had to get on a bus the next morning and travel to New Plymouth for yesterday's win over Taranaki. The team was on a charter flight and it arrived just as fog was descending - bringing back memories of a certain Super rugby final.
It cemented Canterbury's place at the top of the premiership and the side now has its sights firmly fixed on the Mitre 10 Cup - Ranfurly Shield double. The side's only Shield defence will be against North Harbour on Friday night.
In charge of the Shield during its trip south was young Irish prop Oliver Jager. He wasn't giving much away, saying that celebrations had been very civilised and low key because of their schedule.
But as a young lad growing he had seen Shield matches from abroad, and was relishing being part of the campaign.
Coach Scott Robertson was clearly a proud man as he greeted fans at the airport, saying the effort to win the Shield and then back up against Taranaki showed a lot about the character of his charges.
Rising star Jordie Barrett was a key figure in both games, kicking match-winning penalties against Waikato and scoring a crucial try against Taranaki.
Robertson's tasted provincial success with the side but this is his first as head coach of a Shield-winning side, and time was running out - next year he will shift allegiances to the Crusaders.
The side will have just two training runs - and there are a few opportunities with the Shield planned, as they try to build some hype before Friday.
Newshub.
