Otago have brought the Ranfurly Shield back to Dunedin after 56 years, putting in a spirited and hard-fought effort to beat Waikato by 26-19 in Hamilton on Friday.
Tears of joy from fans and ex-players alike flowed freely, as captain Paul Grant lifted the coveted log of wood.
Otago faced an uphill battle from kick-off and silenced critics who were quick to write off the challengers' chances.
Tony Brown's young side fought hard, with many players stepping up to the mark to give Otago the edge over the home side.
Blindside flanker Gareth Evans' effort at the breakdown was a highlight for the visitors, Evans involved himself in nearly all of Otago's 146 breakdowns, holding on to the ball and putting his body on the line in the name of shield rugby.
TJ Ioane proved his worth again as an impact player, coming off the bench and running hard and claimed his second try in as many weeks.
Hayden Parker's clinical boot and on-field presence has developed with every game he has played, the young first-five eighth directed his side around the field and added his name to the score sheet with a try and several crucial penalties.
Tony Ensor looked dangerous from the back in the first half, his running and aerial kicking gave put pressure on Waikato's defence.
The young fullback retired early to the bench, however, the second casualty in Brown's stocks of quality outside backs after losing wing Buxton Popali'I against Bay of Plenty.
It was not always smooth sailing for Otago, however. Waikato fought back hard at the end of each half, a forward pass denying the home side a try to take the halftime lead.
The visitors' defence was the difference between the two sides, the men in blue stifling Waikato's attackers into coughing up ball within their own half.
After a week of partying, Otago will defend the shield against Hawkes Bay next Sunday afternoon.
