Otago has won it's first match in this season's National Provincial Championship, but by just one point, after they beat fellow strugglers Hawke's Bay 17-16 in Dunedin on Sunday.
After Hawke's Bay took an early lead through a penalty, Otago scored in the 20th minute through flanker Alando Soakai. Glenn Dickson converted then kicked a penalty goal to give them a 10-3 half-time lead.
Just three minutes into the second half, Otago extended their lead with a try to Kees Meeuws, but Hawke's Bay converted two penalties to stay in touch.
Hawke's Bay's hooker, Hikawera Elliot, scored a try from a line-break in the 60th minute, but Otago held on with some solid defence.
Earlier on Sunday, Auckland recovered from a messy first half to beat Taranaki 27-13 at Eden Park.
Auckland took a slim 6-3 lead into half-time but after the interval they moved the ball at speed and created opportunities for the backs to score.
Auckland's win moves them ahead of Taranaki to fifth on the standings.
