In a typical opening performance, Otago beat North Harbour 28-14 at Forsyth Barr Stadium after leading 20-14 at the break.
The home side had the lion's share of possession and always made the advantage line, but could not quite finish off against a limited North Harbour side.
Otago led 20-14 at the break and should have put the result to bed well before impressive loose forward James Lentjes scored with nine minutes to go to seal the victory.
Otago coach Tony Brown said he was pleased with the individual effort but the lack of combinations told at times.
''We created a hell of a lot but just did not finish off. Maybe a lack of polish,'' he said.
''Just a bit of first-game cobwebs, and combinations did not get together that well. I just thought everyone played outstanding with their individual efforts. I think we just have to combine better as a team.''
Otago had domination at the set piece which was especially pleasing for Brown.
''We have not had a scrum like that in a long time, so it was pretty pleasing. I think we are just getting a bit more experienced in the team. We have had 20-year-old props for the last few years but now they are 22 to 23 and getting a bit of experience and starting to perform.''
Brown said the side was always trying to attack but at times it became too loose.
''We are always trying to score tries. It looked like we were going to score 10 tries and we only got three. We have to be a bit more clinical and take those try-scoring opportunities.''
Brown praised the effort of Lentjes, who got through a mountain of work and was never far from the ball.
The man himself said he enjoyed the debut and the try at the end was a bonus.
''It was fast and just a wee bit of a step up from the pre-season. I have played a few games at that level before and you have just got to be thinking on your feet,'' Lentjes said.
''You have got to be thinking a step ahead, really. That try was good but I probably should have passed it. It was good to get a win. In your debut you want to get a win beside your name.''
Lentjes nearly scored after 11 minutes but his foot just brushed the touchline in the corner as he went over.
North Harbour actually scored the opening try, winger Tevita Li getting on the end of a break from halfback Bryn Hall.
But Otago came back and scored a dazzling set-piece try through a nice couple of passes to let winger Fa'asiu Fuatai sprint 30m to score.
Fuatai scored again just before the half-hour mark after a nice couple of drives from the forwards led to the left winger running off an inside ball.
Otago looked in control but let Harbour back in the game when hooker James Parsons scored on the buzzer.
The second half rather meandered along, although Otago dominated. The Lentjes try sealed the match and Otago could have scored right at the end but winger Marshall Suckling went on his own when he had men around him.
Fuatai had a fine game for Otago, while second five-eighth Tei Walden was busy. Up front, both locks were busy and prop Aki Seiuli had one of his best games for Otago.
With the first match out of the way, thoughts now turn to the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Counties-Manukau this Saturday.
Brown said bodies had to come right - many players were cramping at the end - and then minds will have to get on track.
''The first two or three days will be pretty light. But we just need to get our planning right and our preparation and go and have a crack at it.''
Otago v North Harbour
The scores
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: Otago 20-14.
Crowd: 4500.
