The Dunedin forwards gave a heroic performance into the viciously strong wind in the second spell to beat Southern 11-5.
They controlled the ball and had the majority of possession from the line-outs through locks Michael Gurran and Richard Thompson.
The pick-and-go was effective, with prop Kelsey Miller having a strong game.
Loose forwards Jon Crossan and Scott McKee were lively.
Halfback Fraser Lau was the outstanding player in the game with his sniping around the ruck and maul and his jab kicks over the scrum.
He made life difficult for his opposite, Joe Burford.
The reverse was true in the first spell when Southern played into the wind and did not deserve to be behind at the break.
The forwards controlled the ball efficiently, used the pick-and-go, and their scrum was dominant.
No 8 Sam Crompton was the pick of the forwards.
Five-eighths Julius Glasson and Luke Herden put in some delicate tactical kicks to keep Southern in the game.
Dunedin No 8 Scott McKee toed the ball ahead and scored a disputed try late in the first half to give his team a six-point cushion at the break.
Dunedin 11 (Scott McKee try; Tumua Ioane 2 penalty goals), Southern 5 (Sam Crompton try).
Half-time: Dunedin 11-5.
Referee: Doug Rodgers.
