Crowds of supporters packed into Whangārei Airport this afternoon to welcome the Northland Taniwha home after their famous Ranfurly Shield victory over Canterbury last night.
The team returned to Northland today carrying the Log o' Wood after ending a 48-year wait for the shield with a commanding 36-12 win in Christchurch.
Fans decked out in Taniwha colours filled the airport on Friday, greeting players with cheers, applause and a haka as they arrived home.
Captain Rivez Reihana led the team through the crowd with the Ranfurly Shield in hand, before the players responded with a haka of their own.
Speaking to 1News, Reihana said the significance of the team's victory was still taking time to sink in.
"I was on the flight home and I had it [the shield] next to me, and I still can't really believe it," he said.
"It's been 50 years, and we don't know the next time it will come round. So I'm just trying to take in the moment and enjoy it."
Reihana said the scale of the reception at Whangārei Airport was difficult to put into words.
"It's more of a feeling for me. Walking in, seeing this place packed. This is the busiest I've ever seen this airport," he said.
"Seeing it filled with kids welcoming us home with the Log o' Wood, it's awesome."
Halfback Sam Nock, who scored during the match, said ending Northland’s long wait for the shield was something the side had always believed was achievable.
"It wasn’t impossible to us," Nock said.
'I know how hard the boys work. I know how how much we love the jersey. So to be able to go down there, and be ourselves and show that to the people was no surprise."
Northland had not held the Ranfurly Shield since 1978, but produced a strong performance against Canterbury at One NZ Stadium to end the decades-long wait.
The Taniwha took a 21-12 lead into halftime after tries to James Mullan and Nock helped the visitors wrestle control of the match.
They continued to pull away after the break, with Rob Rush crossing early in the second half before Reihana added a penalty from about 40 metres out to stretch the advantage to 31-12.
Canterbury mounted a late push, but Northland’s defence held firm before Rush crossed again in the 80th minute to seal the 36-12 victory, sparking celebrations among the blue side.
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