Satisfaction in defeat for Counties-Manukau

Otago's Callum Bruce scores a try watched by Koiatu Koiatu. Phil Walter / Getty Images

Otago 23 Counties-Manukau 19

Counties-Manukau came second on the scoreboard but won over new admirers with a spirited performance against Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup rugby competition today.

Otago went home with plenty of work to do after prevailing 23-19 despite much mediocrity at Mt Smart Stadium in Auckland.

The 2005 NPC first division losing finalists were far from flattered against a Counties-Manukau side seeking respect as one of four newcomers to the revamped and expanded premier domestic competition.

They certainly gained that today with a tenacious, if inaccurate, display in which they dragged themselves back into contention after being behind 6-20 with 16 minutes remaining.

Blair Feeney showed his enduring qualities at first five-eighth for Counties-Manukau while his goalkicking was crucial, as he added to his two first-half penalties to keep his team in the hunt.

Big lock Kristian Ormsby gave his side a needed lift when he proved unstoppable close to the goal-line in the 64th minute and Feeney's wide angled conversion and two longer range penalties saw Counties-Manukau creep up to 19-20 to maintain interest in the game until the final whistle.

The last scoring act of the game, rather aptly, was performed by Otago first five-eighth Nick Evans, who landed a 40m penalty four minutes from fulltime.

Back in action after a broken collarbone sidelined him for much of the Super 14 season, Evans was the class individual on the field.

He contributed 13 points from his goalkicking and also kicked well in general play while his running was one of the few threats Otago posed for Counties-Manukau.

It was a decisive break from Evans in the 25th minute which led to the opening try to his second five-eighth Callum Bruce, who appeared at the All Black's side to accept the pass and scamper untouched to the goal-line.

Evans' conversion saw Otago lead 10-0 and the script appeared predictable.

It proved nothing of the sort, as Counties-Manukau refused to go away and clawed back two penalties to Feeney to trail 6-10 at the interval.

An Evans penalty in the 48th minute gave Otago a little breathing space before they seemingly put the result beyond doubt when flanker Josh Blackie scored a fortuitous try in the 60th minute.

Blackie could barely believe his luck when the ball spewed out of a wheeled scrum close to the Counties-Manukau line, leaving him the simple task of falling on it.

Counties-Manukau could have folded at this point but with Ormsby and flanker James Maher getting themselves about, the Counties-Manukau forwards continued to to make life difficult for the visitors.

Otago 23 (Callum Bruce, Josh Blackie tries; Nick Evans 3 pen, 2 con)
Counties-Manukau 19 (Kristian Ormsby try; Blair Feeney 4 pen, con).
HT: 10-6.

- NZPA