Fiji born Sevu Reece scored a try for Waikato as they thumped Southland 42-11 and successfully defended the Ranfurly Shield last night.

The result is the Mooloos’ fifth successive win and keeps them on top of the Championship table.

In the other matches, Manasa Mataele’s Taranaki lost to North Harbour by 55-26 and Tasman took the lead in the Mitre 10 Cup competition after beating Wellington 28-22.

In the matches today, Canterbury faces Hawke’s Bay at 2.05pm and Counties Manukau meets Northland at 4.35pm.