Otago gave it everything in its match against Canterbury last night at Forsyth Barr Stadium, and did not lack for courage and conviction.
But class won through in the end as Canterbury ran out the winner 23-16 after Otago led 13-10 at the break.
The six-time defending ITM Cup champion took a long time to get going and never really got out of second gear all night.
Otago made much of the running in the first hour and deservedly picked up a bonus point from the game.
Indeed, if not for a very ugly and somewhat lucky try by Canterbury right on halftime, the result may have been different.
Otago coach Tony Brown said after the match he was proud of his players and the fight they showed.
''For a lot of that game we played all the footy. I thought we had an outstanding first 40 minutes,'' he said.
''We were unlucky not to go into that halftime break not having more of a lead. In that second half we made a few too many errors but I did not think they tried to play against us in the second half. They just pretty much kicked away all the possession and tried to play field position and pressure us.
''Maybe we did not adapt our game that much. We probably had to kick a bit better and just limit our mistakes when we attacked.''
Brown had no criticism of players who preferred to kick the ball back rather than take the Canterbury defence on when the red and blacks kicked the ball away.
''For us to get quality ball to attack on, we had to have them try and attack us. I thought since they had scored 50 points every game they would come down here and throw it round. But our first half was outstanding and we shut down every attack they had.''
Otago was forced to go to golden oldies scrum midway through the first half when props Hisa Sasagi (hamstring) and Donald Brighouse (popped rib) were forced off.
Lock Joe Latta also damaged his knee late in the game which looked serious.
Those to stand out for Otago were hooker Sam Anderson-Heather and No 8 Charlie O'Connell while backs Jayden Spence and Tei Walden worked hard.
Otago had a great opening half an hour and had its chances although it could only convert one of them.
The home side was strong in the tackle and out-muscled the opposition at the breakdown.
Hayden Parker slotted two early penalties and then just past the 20-minute mark the first five-eighth was the architect of Otago's first half try.
He put through a crafty grubber kick, the ball - as it can - took a couple of strange bounces and Spence was right there to dive on the ball and claim the try.
Otago was well on top at 13-3 and almost held out but for what would go down as one of the ugliest tries seen at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
Canterbury was attacking the line but a clumsy red and black forward kicked the ball through as the halftime hooter sounded. Otago had the ball but it dribbled over the line and Canterbury No 8 Nasi Manu was quickest to react and he jumped on the ball.
Referee Richard Kelly had originally ruled a knock-on but went to the third match official and he confirmed a rather forgettable five-pointer.
