The Dunedin forwards took control in the second spell to beat University A 34-19 at the University Oval.
It was an even first half, with Dunedin edging ahead late in the spell when lock Richard Thompson crashed over for a late try. The lead was 17-12.
It was a strong display by the Dunedin pack after the break with Thompson dominating the lineout.
Loose forwards Joe Dobson and Mark Atkins were aggressive at the breakdown and their hard tackling stopped the student backs from breaking out.
Dunedin had a solid scrum and prop David Smart and hooker Finnbar Boyle were strong on the drive and with the pick and go.
An example of the pressure the Dunedin pack exerted was demonstrated when Dobson scored a pushover try in the second spell.
Centre Tumua Ioane was the best of the Dunedin backs and used his strength to score a late try.
It was only the strong defence of Tom Halse and Sam Hall in the midfield that prevented Dunedin from scoring more points.
Lock Nick Grant had a solid game for the students.
Dunedin 34 (Liam Edwards, Tumua Ioane, Joe Dobson, Richard Thompson, Daniel Cairns tries; Edwards 3 con, pen), University A 19 (Brenton Thompson, Tom Halse, Sam Kettle tries; Halse 2 con). Halftime: Dunedin 17-12. Referee: Todd Pullar.