Waikato have overcome the challenge of Wanganui in their final pre-season Ranfurly Shield defense, securing a 32-12 win in Cambridge.
Waikato had already beaten Thames Valley and King Country convincingly, but the 2015 Meads Cup winners proved to a much sterner test for the Mooloos.
They led 10-0 at the break after tries from Iliesa Ratuva Tavuyara and Tevita Taufui, and continued their domination when Jordan Trainor crossed for a brace.
Captain Whetu Douglas put the result beyond doubt with a try of his own.
Wanganui crossed for two late tries as Gavin Thornbury and Jamie Hughes dotted down in the final 10 minutes, but Steven Misa added one more for Waikato in the final minute to cap a fine performance.
Waikato have one more pre-season match against Taranaki in Inglewood next Friday, before opening up their Mitre 10 Cup campaign against Tasman in Blenheim on August 21.
Waikato's first Shield defense will be against North Harbour on August 26.
Click above for match highlights.
Newshub.