Waikato have completed their first successful defence of the Ranfurly Shield, with a 42-22 victory over Hawke's Bay on Thursday.
After a close first half Waikato pulled away in the second, outscoring the Magpies six tries to three.
The hosts led 21-15 at the break with captain Dwayne Sweeney, Sevu Reece and Jordan Manihera all scoring for Waikato, while Brad Weber and Tom Parsons scored for Hawke's Bay.
Then three tries in 11 minutes midway through the second half through Murray Iti, Fletcher Smith and Raniera Takarangi was enough for Waikato to retain the Log o' Wood away for two more weeks at least.
The win caps off a magical past eight days for Waikato. Last Wednesday the Mooloos were on a 10-game losing streak dating back to last season, but eight days later they have now won three on the trot.
Waikato now sits atop the championship standings, with Hawke's Bay sitting in second.
The Mooloos' next defence comes against Southland on September 29, but before that they face Bay of Plenty next weekend, while Hawke's Bay host North Harbour in their next match.
Newshub.
