Prop David Smart gave an aggressive display and played a key role in Dunedin's 44-17 win over Green Island at Miller Park.
He made ground with the pick and go, was skilled at the clean out and gained a lot of turnover ball.
He was backed up in the strong Dunedin front row by hooker Finnbar Boyle with his accurate tackling and his ability to carry the ball forward.
The other key player in the Dunedin pack was flanker Hugh Blake with his support play and his ability to help the continuity of the attacks.
Louis Tili controlled play efficiently and had his best game of the season at first five-eighth.
He grabbed an intercept midway through the second spell and dashed 65m for a try. He also kicked six goals and scored 19 points.
Green Island played a bustling game and forced turnover ball and it took 20 minutes for Dunedin to settle into its rhythm.
The drought was broken when Dunedin gained turnover ball and fullback Ashton Tuck ran 65m for the try.
Dunedin scored two first-half tries to lead 20-7 at the break.
It kept spinning the ball wide and added four more tries in the second spell.
The best players for Green Island were halfback Dean Moeahu, prop Josh Beer and wing James Spooner, who scored two tries.
- Dunedin 44 (Ashton Tuck, Sione Pulu, Tumua Ioane, Louis Tili, Fraser Lau, Mark Atkins tries; Tili 4 con, 2 pens), Green Island 17 (Jesse Toto, James Spooner 2 tries; Toto con). Halftime: Dunedin 20-7. Referee: Adam Morrison.