The Volts lost 15 wickets on day two of their match against Wellington in the capital yesterday.
The visiting side still needs 78 runs just to make the home side bat again.
Otago will resume on 107 for six with wicketkeeper Derek de Boorder, on two, and spinner Mark Craig, on one, facing the daunting task of needing to bat all day if their side is going to have much chance of evading defeat.
The ball nipped around more than it had on the opening day and Wellington bowled particularly well, Volts coach Rob Walter said.
``Their bowling skill really suited the pitch today and we weren't up to it,'' he said.
``It is pretty simple, actually.
``There was some lateral movement and variable bounce and by no means was it easy batting conditions. But they were outstanding with the ball. They hardly put a foot wrong, really.
``You are always going to look back on 15 wickets and want to tear it apart. But without being too critical there were a lot of good balls bowled.''
Among the many Otago batsmen who failed to make a positive impact was 20-year-old Josh Finnie.
He came into the side as a late replacement for Neil Broom and was bowled for a duck in both innings.
``You are going to have those tough days, especially as a young cricketer. But, realistically, he got two excellent deliveries.
``I think it is important for Josh Finnie, and he is an outstanding young cricketer, to put things in context. He has been batting beautifully back in Dunedin, scoring runs and really looking good.''
Anaru Kitchen had a poor day as well with 12 runs from two bats.
Brad Wilson collected two edges for innings of 20 and five in his 100th first-class game, while fellow opener Hamish Rutherford avoided the indignity of getting out twice in the day but only because he got out late on day one. His combined contribution of 18 runs represents a disappointing return from a quality player.
Otago skipper Rob Nicol showed some defiance but was out stumped for 19 and nicked out in the second for 39.
Jimmy Neesham played aggressively for 25 and 38 but they are not the sort of totals which will attract the attention of the national selectors.
While it was a dark day for the Otago top order, bowlers Neil Wagner and Jacob Duffy showed some spirit.
Wagner whacked a run-a-ball 43 and Duffy was undefeated on 32. The pair put on 61 for the ninth wicket to help the Volts muster 184 in their first dig.
Wellington's seam quartet of Hamish Bennett, Logan van Beek, Ian McPeake and Ollie Newton shared the spoils, while veteran spinner Jeetan Patel chipped in with three wickets for the day.
Auckland is battling hard to avoid following on in its match with Central Districts at Saxton Oval in Nelson.
The Aces are 267 for six in reply to Central's first innings total of 472. Former Black Cap Jesse Ryder starred for Central with 175, while Auckland paceman Lockie Ferguson had a pyrrhic victory with five for 129.
In Rangiora, Canterbury was dismissed for 381. Northern Districts was 156 for four in reply at stumps. Bharat Popli is undefeated on 76.
