Last night at North Harbour Stadium, Otago knew what to do at the kick-off.
On the other hand, North Harbour was utterly woeful.
When it kicked off, it was was either too long or too short.
And when it received, it just dropped every ball. At every single kick-off, it mucked things up.
The game is all about momentum at this level. By playing so poorly at kick-off time, Harbour handed over a mighty advantage to Otago.
It lapped it up to win 39-32, after leading 16-10 at the break, taking advantage of the chances offered throughout the match.
Otago had the lion's share of possession, and its forwards drove hard and low to get continuity into its game.
First five-eighth Peter Breen kept his side going forward when needed and, further out, centre Matt Faddes was lively and got over the advantage line with some nice runs.
Otago was never behind in the second half and scored the all-important bonus-point try with just over 10 minutes left on the clock.
Replacement first five-eighth Fletcher Smith banged a kick long and put pressure on home-town fullback Josh Rowland.
Rowland tried to throw a miracle ball and it was caught by winger Jack Wilson, who jogged over to score the try and put Otago out of reach.
Harbour scored two tries in the final five minutes but Otago held on for the win.
With the victory, it moves close to securing a place in the ITM Cup Championship semifinals.
Otago missed some tackles and conceded a few too many turnovers but overall was solid enough against a sloppy Harbour side, which must keep its coach Steve Jackson awake at night.
Up front, props Craig Millar and Hisa Sasagi got round the field, although the scrum was a tad loose, and Jackson Hemopo was lively on the drive, picking up a well-deserved try.
Otago had a couple of chances early on and flanker James Lentjes was over after a nice break from Faddes only to be called back for a forward pass.
Both sides had exchanged penalties early on but just before halfway through the first period, Otago scored the first try.
Fullback Michael Collins attacked the North Harbour line and then cleverly grubber-kicked the ball through.
Breen showed some real pace to run on to the ball, toe it on and then dive over.
Otago was looking threatening but some ball-handling errors from both sides were preventing any chances being turned into points.
Otago No8 Mika Mafi was forced off just before the half-hour mark with a knee injury.
The visiting side was made to pay for not taking its opportunities in the first half when North Harbour scored a nice try.
Winger Nafi Tuitavake got away from Breen, who came screaming up in defence but missed the tackle.
The Harbour winger tore away and in-passed to second five-eighth Michael Little who went over.
Otago though came back and regained the lead when flanker Lentjes scored.
Faddes made a nice run right to the line and, after the ball was recycled a couple of times, Lentjes barged through two Harbour defenders to score.
Breen added a penalty after the hooter to extend the visiting side's lead at the break.
ITM Cup
The scores
Otago 39
Peter Breen, James Lentjes, Jackson Hemopo, Jack Wilson tries; Breen 2 con, 5 pen
North Harbour 32
Michael Little 2, Nafi Tuitavake, Pita Ahki tries; Daniel Halangahu 2 con, 2 pen, Matt McGahan con
Halftime: 16-10 OtagoPeter Breen
