Rugby: Tasman thump Otago 47-21 to go top of premiership ladder

Tasman have gone to the top of the Mitre 10 Cup's premiership ladder with a 47-21 victory over Otago in Dunedin.

The Mako led 28-nil at halftime as Otago appeared to struggle playing in their third game in nine days.

The bonus point win took Tasman to 38 points on the table, one point ahead of Canterbury, while Auckland sits at 36 points with a game in hand.

First-five Mitch Hunt - who crossed over for the Mako's first try - was everywhere for Tasman, also adding seven out of eight conversions.

The hosts managed three second half tries, but never threatened Tasman's lead.

Earlier, Bay of Plenty edged Southland 26-22 in Invercargill.

Tasman 47 (Will Jordan 3, Mitch Hunt, Andrew Makalio, David Havili, Tima Faingaanuku tries; Mitch Hunt 6 con)
Otago 21 ( Matt Faddes, Sio Tomkinson, Slade McDowall; tries, Tomkinson 3 con).
HT: 28-0