Otago is taking steps forward but need to cut some inaccuracies out of its game as it enters something of uncharted territory this week.
On Saturday night the side chalked up its second straight loss of the ITM Cup, going down 39-22 to Hawkes Bay at Forsyth Barr Stadium after trailing just 10-5 at the break.
It was an improved showing from Otago, more accurate than the performance against Canterbury last week, but some costly errors and a purple patch from Hawkes Bay combined to send Otago to defeat.
Otago coach Cory Brown said he was happy with the improvement but lamented the period in the second half when Otago failed to come up against a more ruthless Hawkes Bay side.
''We put them under a fair bit of pressure. When we did that we made them look quite average, I thought. But unfortunately we could not sustain it,'' Brown said.
''We had that bad 15 minute period where we conceded a few tries. A few key moments did not go our way.''
Brown questioned some of the decisions made by referee Richard Kelly.
''Some of the refereeing was a bit suspect, to be honest. Some of their work around the breakdown was a bit questionable. Like the old rules at times, I thought.
''But that was not the reason we lost. We were just a wee bit inaccurate at times.''
Kelly had a liberal interpretation of the offside line and both sides seemed to be allowed to do a lot in the tackle ball area.
Brown said the side just had to learn it must do even the most basic things well.
''There is the inaccuracy we can't have when you are playing good rugby players and good teams. They'll just punish you.
''There is a lot of good stuff coming out of it. We were probably better than what the score said, really. We are a good young bunch of guys, who are really fit, who want to play for each other. If they keep playing like that then good things will happen.
''It's about making these good decisions - when to pass and when not to pass. Our scrum and lineout was excellent and we caused them a bit of trouble.
''It was just that one period. The effort the guys are putting in is awesome. Hopefully, if we get a bit of rub of the green next week and a bit of luck, we'll do better.''
Brown had praise for lock Josh Dickson, who was all round the paddock and made some big tackles.
Matt Faddes, who had a good game at centre, has a concussion issue but it did not appear to be serious.
Openside flanker James Lentjes, who missed the match with vision concerns, should hopefully be available this week to play Taranaki on Saturday in New Plymouth.
It will be the first match between the two sides in five years. They last clashed in 2010 at Carisbrook.
Both teams have had two losses to start the season and will look to get a win on the board.
Taranaki lost to Auckland 30-24 yesterday.
In other games, Waikato beat Manawatu 28-21 in Palmerston North, while Southland beat Northland 27-18 in Whangarei.
Last night in Christchurch, Canterbury beat Counties Manukau 20-15.
