Otago's NPC season over after narrow loss to Canterbury

James Lentjes from Otago tackles Tamaiti Williams from Canterbury as Abraham Pole from Otago...
James Lentjes from Otago tackles Tamaiti Williams from Canterbury as Abraham Pole from Otago looms in support during the round nine Bunnings NPC match between Otago and Canterbury. Photo: Getty Images
Otago's season is over.

It needed to beat Canterbury and pick up a four-try bonus point to make it into the quarterfinals, and it gave it a decent nudge.

The home side trailed 27-21 with time up at Forsyth Barr Stadium tonight.

But Otago had Canterbury pinned deep in the 22 and had a series of dips at the line. Canterbury's defence held tight despite some anxious moments.