Mitre 10 Cup: Experience fosters Taniwha resolve

Solomon Alaimalo pins his ears back and heads for the try line during Northland's 32-30 win over Otago. Photo / John Stone

Northland proved they learned from their previous defeats as they hung on for a 32-30 win over Otago on Wednesday, putting them in good stead going forward.

They now have four wins from seven matches and have the opportunity to add a fifth by the end of the week when they take on Counties-Manukau on Sunday.

The deadly boot of Peter Breen accounted for 22 of Northland's points as they got the better of Otago in the discipline ledger.

Northland versus Otago at Toll Stadium in Whangarei Photo / John Stone

However, a yellow card to Kara Pryor threatened the Taniwha's lead late in the piece. Luckily Northland showed enough resolve to get home.

Captain Matt Moulds said the effort will be beneficial for the side going forward.

"The last couple of weeks we were pretty disappointed with, particularly the game against Manawatu, but to come back and get on the winning train is really good," he said.

"I think, for us, having experience in those late situations is crucial. A lot of our guys don't have a lot of experience in those late moments and to get that experience in the game is crucial. We're really happy we got over the line."

Northland's pack again shone through in what was, overall, a sloppy game after a torrential downpour before kick off drenched Toll Stadium.

To the groundsman's credit the field held up remarkably well as both sides grinded away.

Matt Matich, in his blazer game, was immense for the home side from the base of the scrum, taking hit up after hit up and putting on plenty of huge hits on defence.

He said the lungs were blowing a bit by the end but was stoked to get the victory.

"My calves were both gone when Kara went to the sin bin. I was battling a bit to be honest but we got there in the end," he said.

"We're just happy to get there. I thought we could have done it a bit easier. With 20 minutes to go we were looking pretty good but a few things didn't go our way so we had to tough it out.

"It's a good thing though to finish like that as we come up to the business end of the competition. It's especially good to get that last defeat out of the way so we don't dwell on it too much."

Breen's flawless kicking night, which included six penalties, was aided by tries to electric outside backs Solomon Alaimalo and Jone Macilai. Second-five Jack Goodhue was involved heavily in the setup for both efforts.

Northland now look at Counties, who have picked up just two victories from their seven outings in the Premiership.

While Northland are locked in a tussle for a playoff position, Counties (13 points) are looking to stave off the threat of relegation to the Championship as they teeter between Waikato (14) and Auckland (12).

Moulds said it is all about getting the bodies right for the battle.

"It's all about recovery from here. Hopefully the boys aren't too banged up but we look forward to a good challenge against Counties."

The game at Pukekohe kicks off at 4.35pm on Sunday.