Late penalty seals tense Otago win
Otago secured a narrow 45-42 victory over Auckland in a high-scoring NPC rugby match thanks to a late penalty kick by Cameron Millar. Despite the win, the team faces defensive challenges as they look toward the playoffs.
Why it matters
The result significantly impacts the standings for the NPC playoffs, determining potential hosting rights.
Otago know how to score tries. It is stopping them that is the problem. But luckily they have Cameron Millar. The Otago first five kicked a penalty with the last act of the game to seal a tense 45-42 win against Auckland in front of 2763 fans at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday night. They have held on to the Lin Colling Memorial, and they have given themselves a shot at hosting a quarterfinal. That is a good result for a team missing eight regular starters. They were depleted, not defeated. Otago also had a short turnaround following a 32-21 loss to North Harbour in Albany on Saturday. ©Allied MediaOtago first five Cameron Millar kicks a conversion during the tense 45-42 win against Auckland at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Thursday night. Photo: Peter McIntosh. It was a good display of character.
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