Counties Manukau snatch Ranfurly Shield with late sideline penalty to end 12-year wait

Counties Manukau claimed the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 12 years, edging Northland 22-19 at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei on Saturday in round nine of the Hilux NPC, with AJ Alatimu converting a pressure sideline penalty in the closing minutes to seal a historic triumph.

Alatimu, who described the moment as almost beyond words, admitted he leaned on routine to steady his nerves. “I backed the skipper’s call, just got to do my job and thank God it went over,” he said. “I was just trying to zone everything out, just line up the ball, count to four, and then kick and hope it goes over.”

Northland had led by nine points at half-time and looked well-placed to defend the shield, but Counties Manukau — coached by Reon Graham — refused to yield across a full 80-minute contest. Young fullback Adam Morrison proved pivotal in the second half, charging down a Rivez Reihana conversion before scoring a crucial try in the left corner to keep the challengers in contention.

It was 100-cap Northland veteran Sam Nock who had opened the scoring, only for Sione Molia to level matters 16 minutes later in an evenly contested first quarter.

For Counties Manukau captain Tupou, who was part of the 2013 shield-winning side, the victory carried particular weight at what he described as the latter stage of his career. “It’s extra special to be honest,” he said. “The first time I was probably a little bit young and naive and we had a pretty star-studded team. To come back and be at the end part of my career and be able to give these boys the experience of what it does — it’s just been a tough old season for us. This is our finals, so we came here and we just gave them everything and I’m just so proud of this group.”

Counties Manukau will now defend the shield at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe on Saturday, 3 October, when Hawke’s Bay arrive as challengers in what will be the final shield contest of the year.