But University had more of what matters the most — points.
It also made fewer mistakes, took its opportunities and had two scoops of good luck to record an arguably surprising 41-25 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night.
A crowd of 710 turned out for the opening club game of the season and was treated to decent match.
There were a couple of key moments. Kaikorai was leading 11-7 after 30 minutes and was getting more adventurous by the second.
It went searching for a second try and swung the ball to the left. But the final pass missed its intended target and University winger Cam Gerlach swooped on the ball and ran the best part of 90m to score.
A little lucky perhaps, and more was to come. Just before halftime University kicked the ball upfield and set off in chase.
Kaikorai appeared to have the ball covered but a well-timed push in the back cleared the defender out of the way and paved the way for centre Tyler Beary to eventually score between the posts.
It probably instead should have been a penalty to Kaikorai. University had no right to be ahead 28-11 at the break but it made its own luck early in the second spell.
Highlanders back-up first five-eighth Fletcher Smith ran the ball out from his 22, chipped ahead, regathered, and sprinted 50m before off-loading to halfback Kieran McLea to score.
There was plenty of X-factor in that try. Smith was subbed after 50 minutes and the rumour is he is boarding a plane this morning for Wellington as cover for Highlanders pivot Lima Sopoaga for tonight’s Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes.
Smith was skinned early in the game when Kaikorai centre TJ Ane bumped him off to score. But his kicking game was first-class.
He knocked over five conversions, a penalty and also jigged his way to the try line from about 7m out late in the first half.
Dunedin club rugby
The scores
University 41
Josh Dickson, Cam Gerlach, Fletcher Smith, Tyler Beary, Kieran McLea tries; Smith 5 con, pen, Mike Williams pen
Kaikorai 25
TJ Ane, Terence Hepetema, Slade McDowall tries; Gus Gray 2 pen, con, Matt Jones con
Halftime: University 28-11.