Otago under-19 bagged a win in the first round of the national under 19 tournament, beating Tasman 14-5 in a hard fought battle in Christchurch on Saturday.
Tasman led 5-3 at the break in a match played in fine conditions and Otago took a while to get going.
But some harsh words at halftime from coaches Jason Macdonald and Luke Herden, and some good work on defence and at the breakdown, led to the side scoring all the points in the second half to win the game.
Otago kept hold of the ball better in the second half and made some good progress through the loose forwards.
Big prop Jonah Aiona scored the only try for Otago about halfway through the second half when the Otago forward pack drove the ball up and Aiona went over the line.
The bench players made a big impact for Otago and kept Tasman out of the game.
Lock Ben Webby played well for Otago as did loose forwards Jermayne Maika and Alex Hawira.
Out the back, first five eighth Thomas Johnson and midfield back Jono Hayes also showed some nice touches.
Outside back Connor Fifita came into the game early off the bench and looked lively.
Otago's next game is against Southland at the University Oval this Saturday.
Canterbury put more than 50 points past Southland in Invercargill on Saturday.
Otago plays Canterbury on September 19 in Christchurch before heading for the national tournament in Taupo at the end of the month.
