Pacific players at heart of Northland’s historic 48-year Ranfurly Shield triumph in Christchurch

Pacific power was at the heart of Northland’s historic Ranfurly Shield triumph with three Pacific players in the starting XV as the Taniwha stunned Canterbury 36-12.

Esile Fono, Marcel Renata and Terrell Peita all started for Northland in Thursday night’s famous victory. They helped the Taniwha bring the Log o’ Wood home for the first time since 1978. Reesjan Pasitoa was unavailable for selection.

Renata played a key role in the front row, starting at tighthead prop and scoring Northland’s crucial second try as the visitors turned the match around.

Fono started at loosehead while Peita lined up at No. 8.

Northland had trailed 12-7 after Canterbury hit back through Tahlor Cahill and their Fijian star Jone Rova, who was part of the champion Hurricanes Super Rugby Pacific squad this year.

But the Taniwha responded with 24 unanswered points.

Northland captain Rivez Reihana lifts the Ranfurly Shield as his teammates celebrate behind him after ending the province’s 48-year wait for the Log o’ Wood. Photo/Photosport/John Davidson

Renata’s try was followed by halfback Sam Nock breaking through to give Northland a 21-12 lead at half-time.

Rob Rush then scored early in the second half of his 50th provincial match before captain Rivez Reihana added a 40-metre penalty.

Rush crossed again in the 80th minute to complete the 24-point win.

For Renata, the result was another reward for the work Northland have put into their set piece this season.

Ahead of the Shield challenge, the former Auckland prop told RugbyPass the team was focused on getting its own game right.

"We're not reading too much into that result... We're focusing on us; nailing our roles and executing the game plan will give us our best shot."

Renata made the move north after 12 years in the Auckland environment, looking for a fresh challenge.

"I decided to leave Auckland because I'd had a dozen years with the same boys in the same environment.

"I wanted to get out of my comfort zone and embrace a different challenge. It's more grassroots up here.

Northland’s Rob Rush takes on the Canterbury defence as he scored twice in the Taniwha’s historic Ranfurly Shield victory over Canterbury, including in the 80th minute to seal the 36-12 win. Photo/Photosport/John Davidson

"There are some awesome characters and I feel like I'm still hungry and learning."

That change has now delivered one of the biggest moments of Renata's career.

Thursday's win ended Northland’s 48-year wait for the Ranfurly Shield, their 27-year wait for a victory over Canterbury, and their first win in Christchurch since 1987.

Rush reflected on the significance of the achievement after the match.

"I've been on the backend of some of these games… it's unreal that I get to get a Shield challenge, win it, and it's my 50th [NPC appearance], and the boys played so well. Dreams come true," he told Sky Sport.

The Taniwha were greeted by packed crowds at Whangārei Airport when they returned home on Friday with captain Reihana carrying the Log o’ Wood off the plane.

Northland fans turned out in force at Whangārei Airport to welcome the Taniwha home with the Ranfurly Shield. Photo/Photosport/Craig Butland

Reihana said the achievement was still hard to believe. "I was on the flight home and I had it [the shield] next to me, and I still can't really believe it," he told 1News. "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.

"Seeing it [Whangārei Airport] filled with kids welcoming us home with the Log o' Wood, it's awesome," Reihana said.

Northland will now prepare for its first home Shield defence in Whangārei.

After 48 years, the Log o’ Wood is finally home and Pacific players were right in the middle of the Taniwha’s historic night.

For Canterbury, it is history too - just not the kind they will want to remember. Their 18th Shield tenure was their shortest, lasting just 11 days after they beat Otago last weekend.

For more details on the National Provincial Championship (NPC), click here. You can watch every NPC match live and free on TVNZ+ with three games also broadcast on TVNZ 1 each weekend.

Photo/Photosport/John Davidson