Rugby is a game in which you have to take every opportunity presented to you.
Otago found that out the hard way last night as they failed to convert their chances into points and finished on the wrong side of a 43-12 hiding against Counties-Manukau.
Counties played a fast-paced game all night, recycling the ball quickly and ensuring Otago always struggled to get their defensive line set. It was this and their flair out wide that saw them cross for five tries en-route to their fourth win of the season.
They proved to be that little bit more clinical than Otago, something that was to make a huge difference on the scoreboard.
It wasn't as if Otago were bad by any means. With the score at 13-12 at the break they looked to be in with a shot, matching their opponents up front, bringing physicality and committing numbers to the breakdown to get them on the front foot.
The scrum and lineout operated well too, putting Counties under pressure on multiple occasions. As could be expected with this dominance, Otago
enjoyed a large chunk of the territory stakes.
But that's where it ended. Despite threatening the Counties line on numerous occasions Otago failed to cross once. While the defence must be given some credit here, it was as much their own fault as anyone's. They created enough chances, but squandered these with dropped balls far too often.
The ball security wasn't great all night and not only cost an Otago try, but led to a Counties try at the other end. It is a sign of a team that has a ton of potential, but is just lacking the ability to be clinical and as they are coming to see, these mistakes are far more costly in rep rugby than in club rugby.
Counties were to pile on 30 unanswered points in the second half leaving Otago wondering what had just happened.
Paul Grant was once again the best of the forwards, running well and getting through his work. He was complemented well by TJ Ioane who was a beast with ball in hand, Lee Allan who tackled well all game and Gareth Evans who took over from Ioane in the second half.
Tama Tuirirangi was good too, scrumming well and showing that he is still a mobile prop. Sam Anderson-Heather gave another strong display in between blood bin breaks.
The best of the backs were the midfield of Glen Dickson and Jayden Spence, who both looked lively on attack. Marshall Suckling got through a ton of work on the wing, Tony Ensor was dangerous every time he touched the ball, whilst Michael Collins showed some nice touches once brought on.
The team now faces a short turnaround, as they return to Dunedin to take on North Harbour on Tuesday night.