The Waikato rugby team has retained the Ranfurly Shield with a 28-3 thrashing of visitors Hawke's Bay.
Waikato's victory not only means the Shield stays in Hamilton for the summer, while it also relegates Hawke's Bay from the top-tier Premiership for next season.
Earlier Counties-Manukau eliminated Northland from the Championship semi-finals race, with a 44-31 away win in Whangarei, ensuring the Steelers qualify top and allowing Southland to claim the last playoff place.
