Dull day for All Black hopefuls

Otago 33 Southland 22

Otago's All Blacks-in-waiting got little chance to create a final impression before the naming of the World Cup squad tonight, despite beating Southland in Invercargill.

Southland were on the front foot for much of the match, but could not break through the Otago defence.

Otago lock Simon Maling had a quiet game and was substituted with an injury to his left knee midway through the second half.

Hookers Anton Oliver and Tom Willis had half a game each, although Oliver came back on in the second spell as a tighthead prop replacement for Joe McDonnell.

Otago coach Greg Cooper was frustrated with a 16-8 penalty count against his team by referee Gary Wise. At one stage Southland had a 15-2 penalty advantage.

But with Seremaia Bai again struggling with his kicking, the home team were unable to benefit.

Otago went into the break leading 25-10, despite spending much of the first half on defence.

Second-five eighth Seilala Mapasua scored from a Southland scrum mistake after three minutes and fullback Willie Walker converted.

Seremaia Bai got Southland on the board after 14 minutes with a penalty from out in front, but then Matt Saunders grabbed the first of a first-half brace.

Two penalties from Willie Walker helped Otago to an 18-3 lead before Southland captain Steve Jackson got his team back into the game with a try from a forward drive.

Saunders' second try from an Otago counter-attack was heartbreaking for Southland and gave the visitors a solid buffer as they turned to face into the wind.

Bai missed two penalties to start the second half, but Paul Miller's try after 71 minutes got Southland back within range at 28-17.

Outstanding flanker Josh Blackie sealed the game for Otago with four minutes left, meaning Gavin Williams' injury-time score was meaningless.

Blackie was easily Otago's best, Tony Brown was a rock on defence and Saunders finished his opportunities well.

Southland hooker Jason Rutledge pressed his claims for a Super 12 contract next season, and No 8 Miller showed signs he is coming back into some barging form.

- NZPA