Amber-and-blacks find it just too hard

OTAGO 39 TARANAKI 20

Seilala Mapusua continued his strong form as Otago qualified top of the first division and clinched a home semifinal against Auckland with a solid win over Taranaki at Carisbrook yesterday.

Mapusua scored the first try, his sixth of the season, and invariably made ground with his strong running as Otago scored their seventh win in nine round-robin games.

It was a far from flawless performance, lacking intensity and accuracy at times, but Otago's five-tries-to-two win fairly reflected their superiority over dogged but limited opposition.

Otago battered the Taranaki defence with strength rather than silky skills. Their first four tries were all from close range, three from lineout drives.

But the game was all about winning, claiming a playoff place in front of their fans, and providing a timely boost to the Otago union's coffers.

"We achieved what we wanted and now we'll look forward to Auckland," Otago captain Kelvin Middleton said. "We're extremely pleased. If I had known at the start of the season we would qualify first, I would have been a happy man."

Middleton described yesterday's match as excellent preparation for the semifinal against Auckland, saying: "It was a wake-up call, it was hard and physical. Auckland had a fantastic win in Christchurch and we'll have to be on top of our game."


NPC points table