A late penalty from veteran first five Lima Sopoaga capped a dramatic comeback as Waikato edged Taranaki 23-22 in New Plymouth to claim the Ranfurly Shield for the first time since 2018.
The former All Black, already a round-one hero against Auckland, calmly slotted the match-winner from 32 metres after the ball slipped from his tee with just seconds left on the shot clock.
Earlier, Taranaki had built a commanding 19-6 lead through tries to Josh Setu, Logan Crowley and Obey Samate, but Waikato clawed back with scores from Dylan Eti and Xavier Roe before Sopoaga’s composed finish sealed a famous Shield challenge win.
The Mooloos now prepare to defend their newly won prize against Southland next weekend.
