An 11-try spectacle has placed Tony Brown's young Otago side back on track, the home side came out on top by 52-41 over Manawatu in Dunedin on Friday night.
It has been a tough three weeks for the blue and golds - after their Ranfurly Shield glory came to an abrupt end after nine days against Hawkes Bay, Otago's disappointment showed a week later when they suffered a heavy defeat to Tasman.
Although they showed grit against a strong Canterbury side last week, Otago would have been disappointed they could not come away with a win in their travels.
With Tasman and Hawkes Bay topping the Championship ladder, Otago needed competition points to stay in the hunt with the playoffs looming, and blindside flanker Gareth Evans got the ball rolling with a try within two minutes.
With his strong runs and a high-workload, Evans has stood out this season and should start appearing in the notebooks of our five Super Rugby coaches.
With four of the side's six tries, Otago's backs returned to form and would have enjoyed the open style the game offered, but the fluid backline play also came at a cost for Tony Brown's side.
While their attack could not be faulted, Otago's usual resolute defence was absent and Manawatu punished them for it, the visitors managing to shrug off some weak tackles and keep Otago on their toes as they narrowed in on the home side's impressive score-line.
Brown showed his frustration at halftime over his team's defence and the pep-talk in the changing sheds clearly made the difference, despite a few minor lapses, Otago improved in this area in the second half.
While many players stood out for the home side, it was the leadership of hooker Liam Coltman that helped Otago get over the finish line.
With skipper Paul Grant retired early to the bench, Coltman stepped up and took control of the captaincy.
The young hooker will work to cement his place as the Highlanders' first-choice hooker next year with Andrew Hore out of the picture, and will look to remain on the national radar after spending time in the All Blacks camp in coach Steve Hansen's hooker apprentice scheme.
Hansen has indicated he is looking to the future as his two stalwarts, Hore and Keven Mealamu are nearing the end of their careers, and although Dane Coles now has a firm grip on the number two jersey, Coltman will continue to put in his usual high effort.
Otago will face off against neighbours Southland in Dunedin next Saturday afternoon for the Donald Stuart memorial trophy.
