Otago pushed on to 300 for five declared in their three-day warm-up match against Canterbury at Lincoln.
But the home side is 198 for one in their second innings at stumps on day two.
They have a 177-run lead.
Matthew Boyle (34 retired not out) and Zak Foulkes (51 retired not out) set a nice base and Black Cap Henry Nicholls thumped 63 before he was bowled by Matt Bacon.
Cole McConchie (21 not out) and Dyan Hunter (15 not out) are at the wicket.
Otago were 81 for none overnight and opener Jamal Todd pressed on from 21 to top score with 77. The left-hander spent more than three and a-half hours at the crease.
He was supported by Dale Phillips, who clipped 65 from 98 balls.
Dean Foxcroft scored 30 and retired, and Thorn Parkes made 57 not out.
Parkes was one of Otago's most consistent performers last season and will be happy with his outing.
Former Volts wrist spinner Michael Rippon starred with the ball for Canterbury.
He took three for 68 from 16 overs.
