Taranaki stay in playoff race, Otago wilt again

9.27pm

Taranaki bounced back from consecutive 50-point hidings to stay in the NPC first division rugby playoff race with a 31-14 win over Otago in New Plymouth tonight.

Having won their first five matches, then crashed to a 22-51 loss to Auckland and received a 28-73 hiding from Wellington, Taranaki needed tonight's win to keep their semifinal hopes afloat.

The only downside for Taranaki was their failure to secure a four-try bonus point, which could count later in a jam-packed playoff race.

The hosts were always in control without totally burying a struggling Otago side, who crashed to their fifth loss of a forgettable season.

A more polished Taranaki led 13-0 at halftime, with the only try in an even first half scored by fullback Scott Ireland four minutes before the break when he burst through a gap off a Brock James pass.

Otago fought back early in the second spell and had their chance when captain Anton Oliver crashed over from a lineout drive in the 56th minute to make it 16-7.

Taranaki though didn't give the visitors much more of a sniff and centre James Hilgendorf finished a 60m move to score with 15 minutes left.

Otago had some late hope after replacement forward Warren Smith scored from a Grant Webb flip pass to get within 10 points with 10 minutes remaining, but Taranaki held firm and a fulltime try from second five-eighth Mark Stewart sealed it.

James kicked 16 points, with four penalties and two conversions.

Taranaki still need to beat Waikato in New Plymouth next weekend to seal their playoff spot.

Scores:-

Taranaki 31 (Scott Ireland, James Hilgendorf, Mark Stewart tries; Brock James 2 con, 4 pen)

Otago 14 (Anton Oliver, Warren Smith tries; Shaun Webb 2 con). Halftime: 13-0.

- NZPA

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