Otago too tough for Wellington in torrential conditions

OTAGO 26 WELLINGTON 8

Atrocious weather in Wellington reduced tonight's top of the table rugby NPC match to a lottery with Otago the lucky side, beating Wellington 26-8.

Driving rain and strong winds made for miserable conditions for both players and spectators, and at times reduced what could have been a showcase to a shambles.

Otago adapted best to the conditions, keeping the ball close to the forwards and kicking intelligently. Wellington, in contrast, tried to play their natural passing game but vital passes were not caught.

While Otago led 6-3 at the end of the tight first half, neither side looked dominant .

Willie Walker slotted an early penalty for Otago, but the game soon developed into a kicking duel, each side hoping to establish field position and then score a try through a rolling maul.

At times Wellington attempted to counter-attack, offering a glimpse of the entertainment the game could have offered on a fine day, but knock-ons at vital times cost them dearly.

On 20 minutes, after Wellington failed to force the ball over the tryline from a rolling maul, Riki Flutey kicked a penalty to draw the home team level. However, a high tackle by Wellington lock Ross Filipo allowed Otago to establish a slim halftime advantage.

Otago struck early in the second half, after their first-five Tony Brown passed the ball for almost the first time in the match. The break created set the Wellington defence back on their heels, and allowed left winger Glen Horton to outflank the cover and score in the righthand corner.

The impressive Walker converted from the sideline, and soon after landed a penalty after a contentious late tackle call against Wellington flanker Scott Waldrom.

Wellington's enterprise was rewarded on the hour when halfback Jason Spice plonked the ball on the Otago tryline. The chance had been created by a good backline move, and was finished off after good work close to the line by the Wellington forwards.

However, a late Walker penalty extended Otago's lead, and a turnover late in the game when Wellington were playing catch-up rugby saw Otago halfback Danny Lee dash clear to score a try.

Another two points from Walker put the icing on Otago's win, and left Wellington's hopes of a home semi-final in doubt.

Otago 26 (G. Horton, D. Lee tries; W. Walker 4 pen, 2 con)

Wellington 8 (J. Spice try; R. Flutey pen).

HT: 6-3.

- NZPA