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Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Josh Timu, Josh Ioane and Vilimoni Koroi from Otago celebrate the victory over Wellington.
Just six days after a major disappointment, Otago shook himself to surprise Wellington 35-34 and inflict a second narrow loss on last year’s Miter 10 Cup Premiership finalists.
A 78-minute attempt to block Jack Regan, and Josh Ioane’s conversion, secured victory in Wellington for Otago, 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 were behind, but fueled by the appeal of the Mike Gibson Memorial Trophy, Otago stormed home with four second-half attempts.
SKY SPORTS
Otago returns home late to annoy Wellington in the capital.
Wellington, meanwhile, after a gold points loss to Canterbury, again regretted the opportunities that had gone under, as composure and patience were a familiar theme at their home court at Sky Stadium on Saturday. They remain fifth in the congested Premiership standings.
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They appeared to have won it when running back Kemara Hauiti-Parapara took the lead in the 61st minute to attempt the extra point to extend Wellington’s lead to 34-23.
However, Otago, with his pack gaining momentum and his scrum deflecting Wellington, was not done yet.
Their flying wingers Jona Nareki and Vilimoni Koroi combined to score, but Ioane’s kicking problems in the second half meant the Lions still had a six-point lead down the stretch.
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Vaea Fifita and her Wellington teammates wonder where he went wrong after Otago rose to victory.
Otago struck and kept his foot on the ground throughout his scrum, before Regan pounced on the ball that Wellington’s James Blackwell released to launch himself close to the posts.
Ioane made no mistake in claiming the lead, then Wellington had two chances with possession but handed it over to provoke the celebration of the men in blue.
Twenty-four hours into the Bledisloe Cup test at the same venue, it was an entertaining afternoon with Otago scoring five attempts to four.
Wellington led 20-13 at halftime and Otago was forced to make 66 tackles at 28 from the hosts in the first 40 minutes.
Hagen Hopkins / Getty Images
Wellington’s Trent Renata opens the scoring against Otago at Sky Stadium.
Hooker James O’Reilly stood out for Wellington, participating on Trent Renata’s first try, scoring one and then helping Hauiti-Parapara to their second-half touchdown.
Star winger Julian Savea had a mixed day on offense and defense, his defensive lapse in midfield helped Collins set up an attempt for Sean Withy with a break from deep.
The Lions will look to relive their season at home against North Harbor next weekend, while Otago will host Counties-Manukau in search of a fourth win of the year.
TAKE A LOOK
Otago 35 (Vilimoni Koroi 2, Liam Coltman, Sean Withy, Jack Regan tries it; Josh Ioane 2 scam, 2 pens) Wellington 34 (Trent Renata, James O’Reilly, Alex Fidow, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 4 with, 2 pens). HT: 13-20.
MVP: Jona Nareki 3, James O’Reilly 2, Ricky Jackson 1
