'The Shield is a massive talking point': Waikato eye Ranfurly glory against Northland

Jaxin Daniels • September 10th, 2026 11:52 am

Oli Mathis streaking away to score for Waikato | Photo: Blake Armstrong / www.photosport.nz

Waikato head coach Leon Holden says his side is embracing the occasion for Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield challenge against Northland.

The Mooloos have made a positive start to the season, winning three of their opening matches and collecting points in every game except last weekend’s defeat to Canterbury.

“We've rated pretty well so far,” Holden told Sport Nation's Millsy and Guy.

“We're pretty happy with the way we're tracking. We've blooded a few young guys along the way, which is what it's all about, so yeah, pretty positive.”

Waikato have a strong history with the Ranfurly Shield, and Holden said the current squad had been reminded of what the trophy means to the province.

Rivez Reihana leads Northland ahead of their first Ranfurly Shield defence | Photo: Craig Butland/Photosport

“We've won it a few times over history,” he said.

“Throughout the year we've had various ex-players coming in... and a lot of those ex-players have mentioned the good times from those shield days.”

Holden said Waikato had prepared as much as they would for any other game but acknowledged the occasion would be difficult to ignore.

“We've been approaching it the same as every other game really,” he said.

“We want to obviously get the win, get the four points and go from there.”

However, with a full stadium expected, the Shield will be a major focus when the two provinces meet.

Sumo's emotional tribute to Northland lifting the Ranfurly Shield off Canterbury | Scotty & Izzy

“You can't deny the shield is a massive talking point, and so it should be with a big crowd,” Holden said.

"That's what our players are looking forward to, playing in front of a full stadium and being able to put their talent on show."

The match also carries importance in the wider NPC standings, with the competition tightly congested and Waikato focused on continuing to accumulate points.

“You have to be conscious of accumulating points,” Holden said.

"It's about this time of the year that things start to fall into place.

“We're going up there to grab four points to keep that accumulation going.”

Listen to the full interview: