Otago have recorded their first away win of the Mitre 10 Cup season with a 21-15 victory over North Harbour in Albany.
The visitors struck early on as James Lentjes pounced on an error from winger Mark Telea who dropped the ball on his line which allowed the loose forward to score.
Despite having over 90 per cent of the territory over the opening 15 minutes, North Harbour couldn't come up with any points as staunch Otago defence frustrated the hosts.
Errors continued to frustrate Harbour as they turned down several kicks at goal, they were finally rewarded in the 37th minute when captain Matt Duffie used his speed to fly down the right-wing to score.
Otago captain Michael Collin was yellow carded for taking out a player in the air, and it looked like that would cost the visitors.
That was before Sio Tomkinson plucked out an intercept on the cusp of half-time and ran in Otago's second try of the night to take the score to 14-7 at the break.
The hosts were the first to score in the second half, halfback Bryn Hall reached out from close range to score his first of the night.
Josh Ioane continued his good night in the 47th minute, the All Blacks put through a pin-point grubber which saw centre Aleki Morris score to open a nine-point lead.
North Harbour lock Gerard Cowley-Tuiti was sent to the sin bin for a shoulder charge but Otago couldn't make the most of the one-man advantage, failing to score in the 10 minutes with Cowley-Tuiti off the field.
But they were able to hold on to record a and cement their spot at third on the championship ladder.
Both sides play again next Sunday, North Harbour take on Manawatu and Otago will put up the Ranfurly Shield up against Waikato.
Newshub.
