Ioane, who helped himself to 25 points in his side's 45-34 win over Bay of Plenty last night, said the game was a bit of a mixture and the Otago side had to meet fire with fire.
''It was a funny game. We knew they would come out hungry and firing and that showed in the first half, where they were physical and direct,'' he said.
''But we knew if we could weather the storm the opportunities would come along and they did. We were able to execute.''
He said the three intercept tries, including one by himself, was part of the plan to defend strongly.
''We knew coming into the game if we could get up and put pressure on their skills it would help and that sort of paid off for us. We were able to pick up some passes and get some tries.
''We made a few mistakes and blew some opportunities. I think when we get down there and about to score we get white line fever and some passes on the end are not sticking.''
Ioane did not miss a shot on goal all night but he said most of the kicks were near the posts, which made it easier.
The King's College product said he could not remember any game where he has scored 25 points, but paid credit to his team-mates and support.
''Just training with the Highlanders had definitely helped me. I have just come into this season trying to apply what I have learnt to Mitre 10 Cup.''
With the win Otago has qualified for the semifinals of the Mitre 10 Cup championship for the fourth year in a row.
But Ioane said the side was not looking any further than Sunday's game against Tasman.
Otago's only injury concern from last night was lock Josh Dickson, who left the field in the first half because of a head knock and did not return.