Otago ease Ranfurly Shield sorrow
Just six days after shattering disappointment, Otago shook it off to stun Wellington 35-34 and inflict a second narrow defeat on last year’s beaten Mitre 10 Cup Premiership finalists.
A 78th minute try to lock Jack Regan and the Josh Ioane conversion clinched victory in Wellington for Otago yesterday, who last Sunday handed over the Ranfurly Shield to Hawke’s Bay after a flat display.
As captain Michael Collins said, it would have been easy to give up when they trailed, but spurred by the lure of the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy, Otago stormed home with four secondhalf tries.
Wellington, meanwhile, after a golden-point loss to Canterbury, again rued chances gone begging as composure and patience was a familiar issue on their home track at Sky Stadium. They remain fifth in the congested Premiership standings.
They looked to have it won when halfback Kemara HauitiParapara scooted over in the 61st minute for the bonus-point try to extend Wellington’s lead to 34-23.
Otago, though, with their pack gaining momentum and their scrum shunting Wellington, weren’t done yet.
Their flying wings Jona Nareki and Vilimoni Koroi combined to score, but Ioane’s second-half kicking woes meant the Lions still led by six down the stretch.
Otago hammered away and kept the foot down via their scrum, before Regan pounced on the ball stripped free by Wellington’s James Blackwell to dive over near the posts. Ioane made no mistake to claim the lead, then Wellington had two chances with possession, but turned it over to spark celebrations by the men in blue.
Twenty-four hours out from the Bledisloe Cup test at the same venue it was an entertaining afternoon with Otago scoring five tries to four.
Wellington led 20- 13 at halftime and Otago were forced to make 66 tackles to the home side’s 28 in the first 40 minutes.
Hooker James O’Reilly was a standout for Wellington, featuring in Trent Renata’s opening try, scoring one himself then helping Hauiti-Parapara to his second-half touchdown.
Wing Julian Savea had a mixed day on attack and defence, his midfield defensive lapse helping Collins set up a try to Sean Withy.
The Lions will look to revive their season at home against North Harbour next weekend, while Otago host CountiesManukau in search of a fourth win for the season.