Otago first five Hayden Parker runs the ball up against North Harbour. Photo Peter McIntosh
The home team has the weight of possession and territory and after leading 20-14 at the break, a try from debuting openside flanker James Lentjes nine minutes from time clinched the game for Otago.
Otago has plenty of chances in the first half but through good Harbour defence and some rushes to the head by the home side, Otago could only score the two tries to winger Fa'asiu Fuatai.
Harbour tried hard but need to learn how to move the ball and made too many fundamental errors.
Otago 28 (Fa'asiu Fuatai 2, James Lentjes tries; Hayden Parker 2 con, 3 pen) North Harbour 14 (Tevita Li, James Parsons tries; Daniel Halangahu 2 con) Halftime: 20-14
