Otago 23
Northland 40
Northland have put in an impressive performance in the first game of their southern road-trip, defeating Otago and putting themselves clear in second place in the ITM Cup championship.
Northland made a blistering start, with Dan Pryor and his flying dreadlocks cutting through the Otago line three
phases from the kick off, before Namatahi Waa barged over for the first try.
Pryor was everywhere early on as Northland had all the ball in the first 20 minutes. Otago were patient in defence and eventually wrestled their share of possession. Trent Renata was an asset for Otago at the back, kicking judiciously and keeping Northland pinned inside their own half.
Both teams used the rolling maul to score in quick succession, Tom Franklin for Otago before the Northland forwards were joined by the backs on the shunt for the visitors to get Jack Ram over the line.
