Rugby: Northland beat Otago to advance to Miter 10 Cup Championship final

It’s a hallelujah for Northland rugby fans as their team defied all odds to reach the final of the Miter 10 Championship after beating Otago tonight.

A strong defensive effort, coupled with clever attacking moves, gave the visitors a well-deserved 32-19 victory at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin.

It was sweet revenge for the Taniwha after the hosts took a huge win over Northland just a few weeks ago.

Northland increased the pressure in the fourth quarter and came out on attempts off captain Jordan Olsen and running back Sam Nock, who limped off the field injured after he was shot for the last attempt of the vibrant game.

Both teams produced flashes of brilliance, but it was Northland who raced to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter.

Winger Jone Macilai fell back down the left flank after crushing Michael Collins before stepping inside and heading for the try line.

But it was Otago who went to the sheds, leading 12-10 after Josh Timu scored after a series of lineouts.

The son of New Zealand international double John Timu showed good strength as he dragged Taniwha defenders Kara Pryor, Nock and Jonny Cooper to the test line.

Evergreen Nasi Manu took the field for Otago in the 55th minute to add more strength to his attack, but Northland did not give an inch.

Taniwha will face the winner of tomorrow’s clash between Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki in the championship final next weekend.

– Northern Lawyer

Northland 32 (Jone Macilai, Jordan Olsen, Sam Nock, Matt Matich tries; Johnny Cooper scam, 2 pens; Wiseguy Faiane 2 scam)
Otago 19 (Jona Nareki, Josh Timu, Sio Tomkinson tries; Josh Ioane 2 cons)
Halftime: 10-12

Here’s how the match unfolded: