While the Eels ''hung in'' to win the match and will play University A in the final at Forsyth Barr Stadium today, O'Connell felt his side was not able to play the kind of rugby it had wanted to play.
Southern's big pack dominated the first half. Even when Taieri was able to secure more ball in the second half, the defending champion was not able to showcase its attacking skills.
Thankfully, for the Eels, Josh Casey kicked seven from seven and Magpies goal kicker Bryce Hosie had a poor day.
O'Connell said the game footage did not make for comfortable viewing.
''No doubt about it - we were dominated and found ourselves behind on the scoreboard,'' he said.
''But what we managed to do was stay within an arm's reach. We had a good chat at halftime and still had the self-belief within that room to know we could get the job done.
''We will take a lot of confidence from the way we played in the second half. But we also know we did not play our best rugby and are still looking for that complete performance this year. Last year, everything just clicked during the final.''
It certainly did.
Taieri humbled University A 51-6.
That day is still fresh in the mind of University A captain Sam Sturgess and has formed part of his motivation this season.
''There are 13 of us that played in that final last year, so I think that answers that question. It is a memory that has not disappeared,'' Sturgess said.
''But then again it is a new season and we have some new players and different structures and all sorts.
''Obviously, we have to think about how we have played Taieri in the past. But mostly we will focus on what we need to do.''
University A beat Harbour 35-33 in the semifinal but the game appeared as if it was slipping away. Harbour trailed 28-16 but rallied to lead 33-28.
All the momentum was against University A but the hooker felt if his team could just string a few phases together, it had the ability to strike back.
O'Connell brought up 100 games for Taieri earlier this year and told the Otago Daily Times then that this would probably be his last season.
But he wanted to keep the focus on the team this week rather than his future plans.
However, Taieri is chasing its fourth title in five years and holding the shield aloft one more time would be a good way for the hard-working No 8 to go out.
The teams have met twice this year and both games have produced a dramatic finish.
Casey scored a 95m try in the final moments at Peter Johnstone Park to seal a 42-29 victory.
But the students rebounded to win the return match at the University Oval, scoring three second-half tries and a late penalty to win 29-28.
University A has been efficient in the set pieces and has looked to attack out wide through the likes of centre Matt Faddes and winger Gavin Stark.
Taieri's strength is probably in its loose forward trio of O'Connell, Willis Scott and James Lentjes.
Casey's battle with University A first five-eighth Fletcher Smith should be worth the $5 admission.
They are both competing for a spot in the Otago squad.
University lock Josh Dickson's tussle with Josh Larsen should be another good contest.
Kick off in the Gainsborough Shield final between Dunedin and Kaikorai at the University Oval today was scheduled for 12.30pm but the game will now start 30 minutes earlier.
Dunedin rugby final
Taieri v University A
Where: Forsyth Barr Stadium.
When: Today, 2.30pm.
This season: Taieri 42-29 (Peter Johnstone Park), University A 29-28 (University Oval).
Record
Taieri: Played 19, won 15, lost 3, drew 1; semifinal: beat Southern 25-21.
University A: Played 19, won 12, lost 7; semifinal: beat Harbour 35-33.
Teams
Taieri: Connor Fifita, Christian Kelly, Kori Rupene, Michael Collins, Shannon Young, Josh Casey, Kurt Hammer, Charlie O'Connell, James Lentjes, Willis Scott, Kurt Webster, Josh Larsen, Nick McLennan, Josh Reid, Ethan Harrax. Reserves: Josh Turnbull, Jarrod Graham, Matt Davidson, Grayson Kite, Will Cosgriff, Glen Beadle, Ben Miller.
University A: Sam Aitken, Gavin Stark, Matt Faddes, Shae Tucker, Sam McLachlan, Fletcher Smith, Kaide Whiting, Sione Teu, Jack Wolfreys, Dillon Hunt, Hamish Walker, Josh Dickson, Angus Williams, Sam Sturgess, Callum Hardie. Reserves: Tom Stevens, Jack Sealy, Angus Cameron, Dale Jarden, Daniel Crowley, Stephen Fenemor, Kieran Parker.
