Otago have kept their National Provincial Championship playoff hopes alive with a late rally for 31-28 victory over Northland at Whangarei.
The hosts led 21-10 at halftime, but 21 unanswered points from the southerners swung the contest in their favour and they were able to hold off a desperate finish from the Taniwha.
First-five Cam Millar had 16 points, converting all four tries — including one of his own to begin his team's scoring avalanche — while loose forward Christian Lio-Willie, fullback Finn Hurley and lock Fabian Holland also crossed they tryline.
"We got off to a shaky start, but at halftime, we said not to panic," reflected Millar. "With a bit of a breeze behind us in the second half, the opportunities came and we took them.
"I knew, with that wind, it was a good opportunity to put them deep in the 22 and we did that really well."
Otago sat outside the top eight at kickoff, but the outcome catapults them into seventh, as they wait anxiously for the results over this final weekend of the regular season.
Here's how the rest of the round stacks up:
Saturday, October 5
Manawatu v Counties Manukau
Manawatu currently sit bottom of the table and have no chance of making the quarterfinals, but can promote themselves above Southland with victory.
Otago's win sees the Steelers slip outside the top eight and they can still progress with victory, if Canterbury lose. They must also at least match North Harbour, who share 23 competition points, but with one less win.
Southland v North Harbour
The home team are also out of playoff contention, but can promote themselves above Northland with victory. They may also slip to bottom.
Harbour are 10th on the table, and will need a better result than Counties and a Canterbury loss to sneak into the top eight. They actually lead the competition with 11 bonus points.
Wellington v Hawke's Bay
Both these teams are safely into the post-season and are jostling for home advantage. Wellington sit second, but a win would put them atop the standings, if Tasman stumble. They may also need a win to secure a home quarterfinal.
The Magpies sit fifth on the table, but a bonus-point win could see them finish second, depending on other results. Defeat — and a Waikato win — could see them slip a spot.
Canterbury v Waikato
Right now, Canterbury are on the cusp, with Counties and Harbour breathing down their necks. They will know what they need, after watching those two rivals play earlier, but a win would carry them clear of any risk.
The Mooloos could still slip out the top eight, if they lose big and the teams behind them win big. They have a healthy points differential in their favour though and could also sneak into the top four with a big win.
Sunday, October 6
Tasman v Taranaki
This Ranfurly Shield defence provides a juicy climax to the regular season, with either team capable of topping the table.
Tasman hold the shield, but must regroup, after defending it against Auckland on Wednesday. They currently lead the competition, with quarterfinal home advantage seemingly secured.
Taranaki are defending champions and sit just two points back in third. Victory and a better outcome than Wellington would carry them to the top.
Auckland v Bay of Plenty
After their loss to Tasman, Auckland are out of playoff contention and run the very real risk of finishing last of the three teams based in the nation's biggest city.
The Steamers currently sit fourth, but they can improve their standing with victory, if those above them stumble. They can also lose their home quarter-final, if they lose, and Hawke's Bay win and Waikato win big.
Quarterfinals as they stand...
Tasman v Canterbury
Wellington v Otago
Taranaki v Waikato
Bay of Plenty v Hawke's Bay
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