25 Sep 2016

Canterbury stop Otago

7:06 am on 25 September 2016

Otago's unbeaten run in the Mitre 10 cup has come to an end after the Razorbacks were beaten by Canterbury 45-34 in Christchurch.

Johnny McNicholl of Canterbury looks to fends off Matt Faddes of Otago.

Johnny McNicholl of Canterbury looks to fends off Matt Faddes of Otago. Photo: Photosport

The home side made a fast start scoring three tries through Alex Hodgman, Rob Thompson, and Nathan Earle.

They scored their bonus point try with five minutes remaining in the first spell when Billy Harmon busted through some weak tackles to the line.

Otago had kicked two penalties and only managed to get one try onto the scoreboard in the first half when Fa'asiu Fuata'i finished a desperate 20 phase attack after the hooter had sounded.

Down 24-13 at the break, Otago's woes continued in the second half when Johnny McNicholl scored from a Richie Mo'unga chip kick.

Dave McDuling scored Canterbury's 6th try before Otago fought back with tries to Teihorangi Walden and Paul Grant.

The chalk was next cut by Canterbury's Nathan Vella who put the result beyond doubt, before Otago scored their bonus point try through Naulia Dawai in the final minute of the match.

Mo'unga kicked five conversions for Canterbury, while Otago's Fletcher Smith knocked over two penalties and a conversion.

Scott Eade converted two tries for Otago.

-RNZ