A rookie Whalers side was shown no mercy as the Rams laid on 20 points in the first half and another 24 in the second.
A weak defence and an inability to capitalise on opportunities led to an inevitably lopsided scoreline.
With 10 new caps in the team, the higher level of the game proved too much and too hard for the Whalers.
Otago coach Ray Fitiao left Invercargill feeling ''shell-shocked'' after the loss.
''Our defence was poor, which was reflected in the scoreline,'' he said.
It looked as though the Whalers were getting into the game when Terence Reid scored halfway through the first spell.
He muscled his way over after receiving an offload from Joe Bywater and gave his team a bit of hope.
At that point, it was a relatively even game, Fitiao said.
The Whalers threatened every time they found themselves in the Rams' half but could not score another try.
The Rams eventually laid on nine tries before the final whistle, with one going to former Southland Stag Pehi Te Whare.
Dexter Buchanan worked hard for Otago, while captain Koben Katipa, Tyson Ball and Sam Brame showed a lot of heart and hunger.
Katipa ''led the charge'' and made a number of half-breaks for his side, Fitiao said.
The Whalers are keen to train hard for Canterbury Development this weekend.
They are hoping to regain Hyrum Martin and Manassa Kutia for the game in Christchurch.
By Thomas Heaton.
South Island league
The scores
Southland Rams 44
Josh Gough, Maka Mohi, Pehi Te Whare, Dylan Lovett, Korey Pennicott, Daniel Low, Matthew Low, Rocky Pettigrew, Kaza Nielson tries; Daniel Low 3 goals, Pennicott goal
Otago Whalers 6
Terrence Reid try; Ben McKerchar goal
Halftime: Rams 20-6.
