The Otago Daily Times counts down the 150 greatest moments in Otago sport.
No 75: Otago beats Lions for third time (1966)
No wonder Carisbrook developed a reputation as something of a graveyard for international rugby teams.
Following victories over the Lions in 1950 and 1959, Otago went in search of a third consecutive win over the popular tourists in 1966.
It was a Lions team that featured some fine players - the likes of five-eighth Mike Gibson and lock Willie-John McBride - but never clicked on tour, losing all four tests to the All Blacks.
Otago's side featured the great University inside back pairing of Chris Laidlaw and Earle Kirton, and a typically uncompromising pack that included Warren Townsend, Don Clark and John Levido.
About 25,500 fans watched Otago rip into the tourists from the opening whistle, with the home forwards grinding down their opponents and allowing the backs the freedom to roam.
"We really just hooked into them and rucked the ball in typical Otago style," Kirton later recalled.
"The forward pack was a typical Otago pack. They all played for one another and they worked their butts off."
Dave Edward scored Otago's first try and fellow winger Maurice Collins added two more as Otago won 17-9 after leading 12-0 at halftime.
After the match, a reception was held at the Savoy. Kirton was leaving Carisbrook for the venue on his motorcycle when he was met by Lions hooker Ken Kennedy.
"He said, 'I'm coming with you,' so I rode to the aftermatch function with Ken Kennedy on the back. We fell off at one stage on the wet road.
"He said it was the most exciting night he'd ever had."
