Rugby: Grand farewell fails to lift off

Tom Chamberlain of Southland in action. Photo / Getty Images

Otago 12 Southland 19

This was hardly the farewell Carisbrook deserved.

Officially the last provincial match at the historic ground, a toothless Otago side were comprehensively outplayed in front of an large, expectant crowd. There were precious few moments of inspiration for the home side, who were held tryless - though they grabbed some consolation with a last-minute drop goal securing a bonus point.

Southland scored three sparkling tries in the first half, taking a 19-6 lead into halftime that was never under threat.

"We know they would try to take us on up front so our gameplan was to get it wide and I think we played some champagne rugby in that first half," said Southland captain Jamie Mackintosh.

Opposing captain Tom Donnelly, while conceding a dearth of possession was ultimately fatal for their chances, felt the Southland forwards were constantly infringing in the second half but the referee had "no idea".

For Carisbrook's farewell, it was fitting to see a battle of these southern rivals. Otago have traditionally held the upper hand (142 wins to 80) but the balance has shifted in the last few seasons.

Southland were rewarded for their positive approach and willingness to keep the ball in hand, even eschewing handy shots at goal. In contrast Otago were disjointed.

TJ Ioane was thrown on early in the second half, and must be one of the best impact players in the competition. He is certainly becoming a cult hero - he stirred the blue and gold pack into action, and within 10 minutes had more carries than some who had been on since the first whistle.

After one effort was ruled out, Southland fullback Robbie Robinson opened the scoring with an acrobatic try in the 8th minute after a measured cut-out ball from Matt Saunders.

The home side kept in touch through the boot of Glenn Dickson, before another pass from Saunders put flanker John Hardie over near the posts. The impressive Robinson, sparked another attack and sent Scott Cowan over.

Josh Bekhuis and Hardie were standouts in an industrious pack, while Robinson and Cowan impressed in the backline. In a well beaten side Donnelly never stopped working while Ben Smith always looked dangerous.

Southland now have a Shield defence against North Harbour, while Otago hopes of promotion are on a knife edge.

Otago 12 (G. Dickson 3 pens, H. Parker drop goal) Southland 19 (R. Robinson, J. Hardie, S. Cowan tries; J. Wilson 2 cons). Halftime: 19-6