Otago played with plenty of ticker and determination against Canterbury on Saturday at Carisbrook but came up short, losing 35-20, after the visiting side led 17-6 at the break.
But Otago should be proud of its efforts, as it was a marked improvement on the past few weeks.
There were still too many sloppy errors, and ball security could have been better, but it tackled its heart out and never threw in the towel against a big, physical side.
In fact, it was in with a sniff of a victory getting to 20-20 with 15 minutes left.
Second five-eighth Glenn Dickson said the side could sense the victory.
"We thought there is a win on. It's 20-all, we can have a crack. But their next play they scored out in the backs. That just shows what they're like," Dickson said.
That try was scored by centre Sonny Bill Williams, who showed his qualities from 60m out and could not be stopped as defenders hung off him.
That try put Canterbury ahead again and Otago could not hold on to the ball long enough to mount a second comeback.
Canterbury fullback Sean Maitland killed the home side off in the last movement of the game, gliding through some tired Otago defence to score.
The Otago players probably had a right to be all but out on their legs when Maitland scored as they had logged plenty of tackles through the match, and scrambled well at times.
Dickson said it was a game which had plenty of movement.
"It was bloody fast. Both teams were throwing the ball around a lot. Especially our forwards who were really throwing themselves into the game and giving us some front-foot ball."
Otago tried to match Canterbury in moving the ball but much of the ball went sideways.
Canterbuy did find some gaps on the outside but some excellent cover defence from Otago meant the red and blacks came up short on most occasions.
Otago struggled to get through a tough defence but it did have better continuity in its game, and there were not as many errors as previous games.
However, a couple of wonky lineouts and balls not going out from penalty kicks came back to haunt the home side.
It started well, as Dickson, who did not miss a kick all afternoon, notched two penalties.
But Canterbury scored two tries in the first half, the first by hooker Steve Fualau, when the Otago defence ran out of numbers.
Second five-eighth Ryan Crotty then scored five minutes short of halftime after a hole opened up and there was a fear the floodgates were going to open.
But Otago stood firm in the second half although the Canterbury attack was misfiring.
Halfway through the second half, after a strong Otago drive at the line, the ball was moved to winger Joe Hill who jinked his way across the line.
Then from the kick-off Slade knocked the ball on under the shadow of the goalposts.
Otago surged to the line, and prop Halani Aulika barged over to score, and it was game on.
But then Williams did what the New Zealand Rugby Union pays him for and Otago's hopes were dashed.
Captain Alando Soakai got through plenty of work for Otago while Aulika was busy.
Blindside flanker Hoani Matenga showed vigour and out the back Hill looked lively and fellow winger Fetu'u Vainikolo showed glimpses of his talent.
Canterbury No 8 Nasi Manu showed he will bring some talent to the Highlanders next year and big lock Luke Romano was busy.
Slade showed some nice touches, as did Williams, while Maitland was polished.
ITM Cup: The scores
Canterbury 35: Steve Fualau, Ryan Crotty, Sonny Bill Williams, Sean Maitland tries; Colin Slade 2 pen, 3 con, Andy Ellis dropped goal.
Otago 20: Joe Hill, Halani Aulika tries; Glenn Dickson 2 pen, 2 con
Halftime: 17-6
Crowd: 6100
