Otago Country turned the game on its head when it scored five tries and added 31 points in the second half to claim Country honours on Saturday.
Southland Country was aggressive in the first spell at Forsyth Barr Stadium and led 15-12 at the break. But Otago came back strongly to win the game 43-18.
The swift Otago backline and the fiery loose forwards made the difference in the second spell.
First five-eighth Sam Young was the kingpin for Otago with his accurate tactical kicking and his ability to take the ball to the line. He created space for his outsides and the gaps quickly opened up.
Sam Gibbons came on in the second spell and added thrust in the midfield.
Halfback Jamie Brown passed accurately and was aggressive at the breakdown. He scored a try himself and made the break for the second try of the second spell when he broke into the 22m. It was finished by fullback Ben Purvis, who had good balance and was dangerous on the counter-attack.
Winger Mark Tewhiti was a strong finisher and scored two second half tries.
The best Otago forwards were No 8 Shaun Tauiti and openside flanker Aiden Winter, who were both aggressive with the ball in hand and accurate at the breakdown.
Southland County No 8 Brenton Howdan made ground with the ball in hand, lock Logan Byars was accurate in the lineout and fullback Shay Moseby had speed on the counterattack.
The scores -
Country clash
• Otago Country 43
Mark Tewhiti 2, Aiden Winter, Jamie Brown, Lachie Moore, Blake Korteweg, Ben Purvis tries; Moore 2 con, Sam Young 2 con
• Southland Country 18
Napoliani Dawai, Ryan Moseby tries; Tama Toomata con, 2 pen
• Halftime: Southland Country 15-12.
