No 10 for Otago, Josh Ioane crosses the line to score in the first half as No 10 for the Hawkes Bay, Tiaan Falcon looks to intercept. Photo: Gregor Richardson
Otago led 17-14 at halftime and was up 20-19 with 20 minutes left before Hawke's Bay scored a quick couple of tries to win the game.
Otago scored a try near the end but could not get close in the dying stages.
Hawkes Bay 31 (Josh Kaifa, Jamie Jerry Taufagi, Ben May, Mason Emerson, Brad Weber tries; Tiaan Falcon 3 co) Otago 25 (Josh Ioane, Naulia Dawai, Vilimoni Koroi tries; Ioane 2 con, 2 pen) Halftime: 17-14 Otago.