Rugby: Otago get third win

Otago fumbled and bumbled their way to a 22-8 provincial rugby win over Counties Manukau in Auckland last night.

Otago secured their third win in four outings despite committing a succession of mistakes which helped reduce the game at Mt Smart Stadium to an unsightly start-stop affair.

While the visitors pocketed the four competition points, Counties-Manukau would have derived some satisfaction from an improved performance.

They had entered the game seriously worried about a porous defence which had conceded 109 points, including 16 tries, in their previous two matches.

But Counties Manukau were much more resolute although they seldom threatened Otago and were overly reliant on individuals to press their case.

- AGENCIES