Otago beat BoP in semifinal

Otago are through to the final of the national provincial championship, following a healthy 27-20 win over Bay of Plenty in Dunedin last night.

It was a battle of extravagance and patience, the home team happy to throw the ball from wing to wing in pursuit of points, while Bay of Plenty were prepared to grind all evening.

The flashy stuff won the day, and will see Otago take on either Wellington or North Harbour in the final of the Mitre 10 Cup championship next week.

Otago were the only side to cross for tries in the opening 40 minutes, through Tom Franklin and Naulia Dawai.

James Lentjes extended Otago’s lead after the break but Bay of Plenty kept themselves in it when Lalakai Foketi crossed. Smith extended the Otago lead again soon after with a penalty out in front.

Franklin was sent to the bin midway through the second half for a needless shoulder charge off the ball, opening a door for Bay of Plenty to book an unlikely place in the final.

But Sam Cane spilled two passes when the Bay had momentum, stalling their charge, and although Terrence Hepetema scored late on, Otago held on for victory.