Otago took its chances when they came along and won 34-26 over an Auckland side which was physical but very inaccurate at the Dunedin stadium.
Otago led 24-14 at the break and put on some tremendous defensive efforts in the second half against an Auckland team which would not put much together.
Otago players were cramping up, bleeding, and looked spent as the game finished, but would simply not buckle as it downed Auckland for the first time in four years.
Lively winger Jona Nareki scored two tries and when centre Sio Tomkinson scored his second try with two minutes to go, Otago had won the game.
The home team had heroes all over the paddock, with flanker James Lentjes having one of his finest games in the blue and gold jersey.
Otago 34 (Jona Nareki 2, Sio Tomkinson 2, Josh Furno tries; Fletcher Smith 3 con, pen)
Auckland 26 (George Moala 2, Vince Aso tries; penalty try; Jono Hickey 2 con)
Halftime: 24-14
