Taieri and Southern played out an epic at Bathgate Park. Photo: CHRISTINE O'CONNOR
Southern led at halftime 17-14 but Taieri came back in the second spell and led 42-32 with 10 minutes left.
Southern though scored two tries at the end and McKenzie Haugh nailed his third try to win the game for Southern 44-42.
Kaikorai also won a close one 31-30 over Green Island while Harbour beat Alhambra-Union 29-17.
University ran away from Dunedin winning 63-10.