Otago is back in charge of its own destiny in the Mitre 10 Cup after Manawatu scored a convincing win over Wellington last night.
Manawatu beat Wellington 50-28 to put itself back into contention for the semifinals of Championship.
Wellington must have fancied its chances of beating Manawatu but it never looked likely as Manawatu built on its 17-7 halftime lead.
With the result, Otago stays on top of the Championship on 29 points. Wellington could have gone top with a win.
Manawatu scored eight tries, including four to loose forward Antonio Kirikiri.
Wellington scored four tries to gain a bonus point so is also on 29 points, but Otago stays top as it won the match between the two teams.
Manawatu is third on 20 points while North Harbour is one point back.
Otago no longer has to rely on other results to finish top of the ladder and gain home advantage for the playoffs.
Otago host Counties-Manukau on Saturday and plays Manawatu in Palmerston North on October 14. Wellington finishes its regular season against Taranaki and Waikato, both in Wellington. Manawatu plays Bay of Plenty on Sunday before facing Otago.
North Harbour has three games left but faces Canterbury and Tasman in two of them and may struggle.
