Josh Whaanga came off the bench to play a crucial role in Otago’s stirring 38-36 win over Canterbury.
The 21-year-old son of Balclutha and John McGlashan College, already up to 25 caps for his province, produced a highlight-reel moment when he delivered a miracle offload to winger Jae Broomfield, whose try ignited Otago’s comeback from 15 points down.
Whaanga and brother Matt, the Southland midfielder who had his own taste of Ranfurly Shield excitement just a month ago, have been grieving this season.
Their elder brother, Tane, died on June 17, aged 30.
"It’s been pretty tough," Josh Whaanga said.
"But I think it’s brought us together, me and Matt, as brothers.
"We’ve got each other’s back and also I feel like the whole community has really got around us. That’s been pretty awesome.
"Tane wasn’t a rugby man but I’m always thinking about him now when times get tough on the field."
Whaanga was just 9 when Otago broke a 56-year drought by winning the Shield in 2013.
He was still processing the impact of becoming a Shield winner himself when he arrived back at Dunedin Airport yesterday.
"It’s something I’ve dreamed of for so long. It’s pretty unreal to get it done.
"I can’t really describe it. You just dream of stuff like that, and especially to beat Canterbury up there, in such a tight game, to claw back the way we did ... I’m just so proud."
Things looked grim for Otago with 20 minutes to play.
But they never stopped believing.
"It was one of those games where you just look around, and you look in everyone’s eyes, and you just know you’ve got a grip on things," Whaanga said.
"You could just tell. Your mates are around you, and you just know they’ve got your back."
Brother Matt had been in touch with a message.
"He just said he was really proud and told me to enjoy it.
"Hopefully we hold on to it a bit longer than they did, haha."
Whaanga said Otago were determined to defend the Shield and celebrate veteran hooker Liam Coltman’s 100th game against North Harbour this Saturday.
