A commanding first-half display by the Otago Spirit set it up for a 38-24 victory over Wellington in the women's match at the University Oval on Saturday.
Leading 26-0 at the break, Otago appeared to go off the boil a little in the second half as Wellington brought more mobility to its forward pack through replacement locks Jasmine Stevenson and Jackie Pateu.
Assisted by prop Lipea Tuioti, Wellington was able to build a base and trouble Otago's defensive game.
Such was the intensity these three brought to the Wellington tight five, its loose-forward trio was able to excel on attack, particularly in creating overlaps.
This led to two tries to Rebecca Wilton and one to Jessie Saolele, all with breakouts down the left touch.
Black Fern openside flanker Aimee Sutorius was rewarded for her efforts when she caught Otago napping at a free kick.
But it was the three tries to Carla Hohepa using her elusive turn of pace down the left flank that helped secure a valuable first round-victory for Otago.
Halfback Zoe Berry complemented a great forward effort with a try to open the scoring after 8min.
This ignited some great back play, particularly from second five-eighth Janna Vaughan and centre Ashley Hooper, who posed a threat on attack and were resolute in defence.
Wellington used fullback Courtney Kea to run the ball up, only for her threat to be shut down by Vaughan and Hooper's influence in midfield.
Kelly Brazier, in her first game back after missing most of the club season through a knee injury, was solid at first five-eighth.
Her opposite, Tatiana Tafatu, also played well, providing the impetus for both forward and backs.
The Otago forward pack had the better of Wellington at the set pieces, with Rebecca Mitchell and Carrie Lobb featuring at the line-out.
The front row of Beth Mallard, Erin Moar and Kamila Wihongi had the better of Wellington.
Otago coach John Kyle was thrilled with the victory after the match.
"I'm delighted to come away on the right side of the square. And I'm real happy to have the bonus point," he said.
"We'll take a lot of confidence from this."
Otago is at home to Hawkes Bay in the second round.
Otago Spirit 38 (Carla Hohepa 3, Zoe Berry, Beth Mallard, Megan Kane tries; Zoe Berry 4 conversions),
Wellington 24 (Rebecca Wilton 2, Aimee Sutorious, Jessie Saolele tries; Kat Simpkins 2 conversions).
Half-time: 26-0.
Referee: Tim Baker.
