It's going to be a long night for Northland after falling to Otago 30-7 in the Mitre 10 Cup clash at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin tonight.
A brace of tries to Freedom Vahaakolo and one each to Josh Hohneck and replacement Ricky Jackson was more than enough for thehome side to bag the win.
It took the Taniwha 60th minute to get on the scoresheet. Rene Ranger raced on to the tryline after fielding a pass from Jone Macilai on the blindside.
It's a cruel blow for Northland, having lost two on the trot after falling to Hawke's Bay in the Ranfurly Shield challenge in Napier a week ago.
Veterans Liam Coltman, old warhorse Jamie Mackintosh, Hohneck and Jona Nareki were outstanding for Otago and exerted enough pressure to force Northland into mistakes across the park.
Northland host North Harbour in Whangārei on October 31.
