Ranfurly Shield stays in Whangārei, after Northland crush Waikato
Northland successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield by defeating Waikato 34-17 in a dominant performance. This victory marks a historic milestone for Northland, who will face Counties Manukau in their final shield defense of the season.
Why it matters
The Ranfurly Shield is a prestigious trophy in New Zealand rugby, and this win represents a significant achievement for the Northland team.
Northland have just one more defence before they can tuck the Ranfurly Shield away for the summer, after seeing off Waikato in Whangārei.
The Taniwha's magic season continued on Saturday as they defended the log o' wood in dominant fashion, hammering the moo-loos 34-17.
Australian import Lachlan Hooper opened the scoring for Northland, before Waikato flyer Dan Sinkinson responded for the Mooloos.
Taha Kemara pushed the conversion wide in trying kicking conditions, to leave Northland in front, a lead they stretched courtesy of a contentious try to halfback Sam Nock.
After a Northland maul splintered, Nock weaved through the mess to dot down as the Waikato players pleaded for an obstruction call which never came.
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