Oliver double hammers home win for Otago

Otago first 5/8 Seilala Mapusua runs around the tackle of Scott Bremen (right). Ross Land / Getty Images

Anton Oliver made a fairytale return to NPC rugby action to guide Otago to a 26-10 first division win over Taranaki in Dunedin tonight.

The rugged hooker scored both of his side's tries after appearing as a second-half substitute at Carisbrook, his first appearance at first-class level since suffering a serious leg injury in May.

The impact of the former All Blacks captain was immediate as his fellow forwards drove him over the tryline in the 49th minute following a lineout close to the line.

Oliver and his colleagues then produced a carbon copy try in the 72nd minute to settle the outcome of a tough encounter between two tradesmanlike teams.

The result consolidated Otago's position in the top four as they improved to third place on 23 points and ended any hope Taranaki had of challenging for a semifinals position.

Otago first five-eighth Nick Evans was as equally influential as Oliver, his accurate goalkicking netting him 16 points from four penalties and two conversions as he slotted six from seven attempts.

It was largely due to Evans that Otago found themselves 19-3 ahead after he converted Oliver's first try but Taranaki fought back via a try to halfback Craig Fevre to make a game of it.

They were well in the contest at 10-19 down before replacement Todd Feather missed a penalty from a handy position, handing back any momentum they had built up.

Otago led 9-3 at halftime and matched the challenge offered by Taranaki in the forwards and their backs, with centre Neil Brew a constant threat and Evans a calming influence, were a shade sharper than their opposites.

The match marked the 78th and final appearance for Otago of former All Blacks prop Carl Hoeft, who leaves on Monday to pursue his career in France.

Oliver timed his comeback to ensure he could pack down with his long-time front row partner one last time and for that Otago's fans were thankful.

"I was just so pleased to get back for Carl's last game, that had been my goal," Oliver said.

He suggested Otago's third successive win was hardly an advertisement for the game.

"We haven't played that well yet. That was a pretty unattractive game to watch, I'd imagine.

"It was highly contested at the breakdown and as a consequence no team could get any continuity going because it always got turned over and it just turned into a bit of a a scrap."

Otago 26

(Anton Oliver 2 tries; Nick Evans 4 pen, 2 con)

Taranaki 10

 (Craig Fevre try; Sam Young pen, Todd Feather con).

Halftime: 9-3.

- NZPA