The South Canterbury dynasty has reached new heights.
They won their third straight Meads Cup after beating Whanganui 40-30 in front of a massive crowd in Temuka on Saturday.
South Canterbury has had a remarkable run, becoming only the second team to win three consecutive Meads Cups, alongside Whanganui.
Captain William Wright summed up their success in two short words.
"How good," he told Sky Sport at the end of the Heartland final.
In a repeat of last year’s final, both sides started off shakily until Whanganui captain Dane Whale kicked a penalty in front 12 minutes in.
His side had the better of the opening 25 minutes and scored a stunning team try.
Centre Alekesio Vakarorogo made a break and linked up with winger Apolosi Tanoa.
He flung the ball over his head to Timoci Seruwalu who burst down the sideline to score.
South Canterbury first five Sam Briggs, who was class all game, banged over two quick penalties to close the gap.
But Whanganui extended their lead when Whale’s left foot step opened up space for him to score under the posts.
The visitors’ defence was impeccable, holding South Canterbury out for the opening quarter.
But once South Canterbury found their groove, they were away.
Flanker Loni Toumohuni threw a dummy to draw in three defenders and score and Kalavini Leatigaga followed soon after.
It put South Canterbury in control at the break 23-15 and they picked up where they left off 50 seconds into the second half.
No 8, Siu Kakala, who was a huge ball carrier, threw it out side to Leatigaga, who flicked it on to fullback Liueli Simote.
He weaved through Whanganui’s defence and popped it back to Leatigaga to score again.
Whanganui struck back through Raymond Salu and a Whale penalty closed the gap 28-23.
Wright scored to push his side out to a 10 goal lead, but Whanganui refused to go away, scoring again through Tanoa to trail 33-30.
Solomone Lavaka scored to finally put the game to bed and secure the victory with about five minutes remaining.
But the try was marred by ugly scenes.
Around 50 fans, including the South Canterbury mascot, stormed the field. The New Zealand Herald reported punches were allegedly thrown by some South Canterbury fans.
In a statement, a New Zealand Rugby spokesman said: "NZR is aware of the incident in today’s Heartland Championship match and are working to understand from all parties what has occurred."
In the Lochore Cup final, West Coast beat Poverty Bay 23-20.
Heartland Championship
The scores
South Canterbury 40
Kalavini Leatigaga 2, Loni Toumohuni, William Wright, Solomone Lavaka tries; Sam Briggs 3 con, 2 pen.
Whanganui 30
Dane Whale, Timoci Seruwalu, Raymond Salu, Apolosi Tanoa tries; Whale 2 con, 2 pen.
Halftime: South Canterbury 23-15
