Otago have reclaimed the Lin Colling Memorial Trophy, holding off Auckland in the final minutes.
The boot of first-five Cameron Millar proved the difference as Otago clung on for a 27-25 victory over Auckland to open Round 2 of the National Provincial Championship (NPC) at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night.
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Josh Whaanga opened the scoring for Otago in the third minute but Auckland hit back with a try to lock Josh Beerhe and two penalties from Christian Leali’ifano for a 13-7 lead after 27 minutes.
Millar closed the gap with a penalty, before No 8 Will Stodart crossed in the shadow of halftime, putting Otago up 17-13 at the break.
Wing Nigel Ah Wong scored as Auckland retook the lead in the 47th minute, but Sam Gilbert did likewise for the home side minutes later.
Millar extended the lead to nine in the 63rd minute with a second penalty, with Tanielu Tele’a scoring late to set up a thriller finish.
Auckland made numerous unforced errors throughout the game, particularly in the second half. Adrian Choat and Anton Segner had big games but the rest of the pack was scratchy.
In Round 3, Otago host currently unbeaten Bay of Plenty on Sunday (kick-off 2.05pm), while Auckland will look to pick up their first win at home against Canterbury on Saturday (kick-off 4.35pm).
Otago 27 (Josh Whaanga, Will Stodart, Scott Gilbert tries; Cameron Millar 3 con, 2 pen) Auckland 25 (Josh Beehre, Nigel Ah Wong, Tanielu Tele'a tries: Christian Leali'ifano con, 2 pen, Tanielu Tele'a con). HT: 17-13
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