Waikato have claimed the Ranfurly Shield after a comprehensive 33-19 win over holders Taranaki in New Plymouth.
The challengers stunned the amber and blacks in the first forty minutes, scoring five tries to one to take a 33-7 lead into the sheds.
Despite two early second half tries to the holders, Waikato were able to repel that momentum and close out the game without any further damage.
A lethargic start ultimately cost the hosts, who gave away silly penalties and coughed up too much pill in a shocking opening stanza.
Waikato were disciplined and pounced on a plethora of Taranaki errors to build the 26-point lead.
Veteran Dwayne Sweeney opened the scoring for Waikato but Regan Ware's solo effort brought the hosts level, skipping past several would be tackers to score close to the posts.
Impressive centre Quinn Tupaea then ignited the challengers, showing superb power and pace to set up Adam Burf for the best try of the match.
Hardworking James Tucker scored moments later sending Taranaki into a state of shellshock. The 19-7 lead was enough to suggest the Shield was heading to Hamilton and the amber and blacks fell into deeper peril with late first half tries to Samisoni Taukei'aho and Tupaea.
But Taranaki's quick start to the second half brought visions of a comeback as Manasa Mataele and Seta Tamanivalu brought the holders to within two converted tries with 31 minutes still remaining.
But it wasn't to be. The last 30 minutes remained scorless and the Shield was won for Waikato.
Waikato host Hawke's Bay on Thursday for their first defence, a loss would mean the shortest reign in history.
It's the mooloo men's ninth shield challenge victory.
Taranaki 19 (Regan Ware, Manasa Mataele, Seta Tamanivalu tries; Beaudein Waaka 2 con)
Waikato 33 (Dwayne Sweeney, Adam Burn, James Tucker, Samisoni Taukei'aho, Quinn Tupaea tries; Fletcher Smith 4 con).
HT: 7-33.
Newshub.
