Another concern for the Magpies was the 17 turnovers conceded. Once again far too many but to their credit the visitors won nine turnovers.
Discipline issues also need to be addressed. Bay of Plenty referee Nick Briant had no option but to sinbin Dunn after his second dangerous tackle.
A couple of Magpies supporters texted yours truly to ask why Dunn wasn't replaced after the sinbinning. A fair question but Dunn worked hard to make up for his misdemeanours and finished his stint with an average gain of 4.6m off his eight carries.
Blindside flanker Marino Mikaele-Tu'u must have been disappointed to be penalised for not wearing a mouthguard in his blazer match. The Highlander and 2017 world champion Baby Black should know better.
Mikaele-Tu'u was a tireless worker on defence with 15 tackles, the same number as lock Tom Parsons.
Once again the Magpies were dealt severe blows in the injury department. First five-eighth Tiaan Falcon and openside flanker Will Tremain left the field with shoulder injuries and hooker Kianu Kereru-Symes with a knee concern.
Ozich is hoping the nine-day turnaround will work in the trio's favour.
"We've got a bit of time to lick our wounds," Ozich said.
He agreed the challenge was disappointing.
"When Waikato went up a level we didn't stick with them. They scored a couple of quick tries and we were chasing," Ozich said referring to the first 26 minutes of the second half when Waikato extended their lead to 35-15.
"In talking to the boys it comes down to our own effort and errors. It's just mental ... but the positive is those things are controllable.
"We've gone pretty well in our first four games this season. That's the first time we've had our noses smashed," Ozich explained.
"The challenge now is how we respond as a group. We work to keep building because there is a lot to like about this group."
"It's important we take the learnings and work to get better ... we need to encourage this young group to do that."
Despite the loss there were still a few positives for the Magpies. Centre Stacey Ili had his best outing of the season with 16 tackles, four defenders beaten and an average gain of 3.4m off nine carries.
Kereru-Symes, 19, was the only member of the starting XV to be error-free on defence and this was his first run on appearance at this level. Fullback JJ Taulagi made several try-saving tackles while only missing one tackle.
Taulagi finished with an average gain of 7.2m off six carries.
There's no doubt the 2018 Magpies are good enough to secure a semifinal. But they can't afford to have any more games where no points are posted on the points table.
The North Harbour match is the start of their Storm Week which will involve three games in eight days. They will then host Northland on September 26 before playing Canterbury on September 30.
The Magpies' final two round robin fixtures will be a home clash against Manawatu on October 5 and an away match against Tasman on October 11. Finishing in the top four after a tough schedule like that will be the ideal way of repaying supporters for Thursday night's shocker.
