Vilimoni Koroi crosses to score for Otago against Wellington. Photo: Getty
The Otago side tackled its heart out and tied the game up with just under 15 minutes left when replacement winger Vilimoni Koroi showed some great speed to get to the ball.
But Otago conceded an offside penalty with under five minutes to go and Wellington successfully nailed the handy kick.
Otago tackled hard and with players coming and going due to head knocks and injuries were gallant in defence. Wellington looked potent at times but creaked under pressure.
Best for Otago was skipper Tei Walden, lock Josh Furno and the scrum was powerful throughout.
Wellington 27 (Ben Lam 2, Alex Fidow, Julian Savea tries; Jackson Garden-Bachop 2 con, pen) Otago 24 (Jono Ruru, Vilimoni Koroi tries, Fletcher Smith 4 pen, con) Halftime: 11-10 Otago