NSW Waratahs claimed more than just vital competition points with a 29-24 win over the previously undefeated Hurricanes on Saturday, also earning itself the hypothetical ‘Carlos Cup’.

The Carlos Cup is a challenge-defence trophy. The current holder puts it up for grabs in every Super Rugby match it plays (either home or away) in a similar manner to a world boxing title bout. The winner of the match then remains or becomes the rightful holder of the Carlos Cup until its next match.

Beginning with the very first game of Super Rugby in 1996 – played between the Blues and Hurricanes – our mates at www.dasherrugby.weebly.com have tracked the movements of the Cup as it’s changed hands over the last 20 years and it makes for some interesting reading.

Named after Blues flyhalf Carlos Spencer, The Carlos Cup system is a nod to the Ranfurly Shield – a current, real-life challenge-defence trophy that has been moving around provincial rugby in New Zealand since 1904 – and the Raeburn Shield – a hypothetical challenge-defence trophy for international rugby matches.

Here’s a breakdown of the Carlos Cup’s history:

NSW have held the Carlos Cup on 6 occasions previously in 1996, 2000, 2005, 2011, 2012 and 2014, but in a worrying sign for Tahs fans ahead of this Saturday’s clash against the Rebels, the Waratahs have never defended the title.

Is it the curse of Carlos, or are we clutching at straws? I guess we’ll find out come Saturday.

Find out more about the Carlos Cup at www.dasherrugby.weebly.com