A third-quarter blitz broke a halftime deadlock and set the Otago Spirit up for a win at the North Ground on Saturday.
The manner in which Otago defended and created space out wide for its five tries had all the hallmarks of a team on the rise.
Depth within the squad was also apparent, with seven changes from the starting XV that accounted for Wellington last week. Within the first quarter it became nine, with replacement lock Syreeta Norris and winger Claire Richardson making their marks on the game.
Richardson, right winger Michaela Baker, fullback Halie Hurring and midfield backs Lucy Anderson and Greer Muir helped Otago close down the threats posed by the dangerous Waikato outside backs.
Anderson and Muir were also a handful on attack, with some powerful breaks. Anderson played an instrumental role in both her own try and that of openside flanker Leyhana van Vugt's, while Muir displayed a knack for sucking in three or four defenders.
After early tries to Baker and Anderson, Waikato regrouped, nullifying Otago's attacking ability through a concerted forward effort, leading to a Chelsea Alley penalty goal and the first of two tries to speedy winger Moana Forbes.
Otago totally dominated after the break, running in three well-worked tries in quick succession and putting the game virtually out of reach for Waikato.
The Otago backs showed they will prove more than a handful in coming matches, while the tight five stole two tightheads at crucial times and had the Waikato scrum under all sorts of pressure.
Loose forwards van Vugt, Rachel Scott and Angie Sisifa formed a superb combination, and prop Ele Lilo capped off an outstanding display by scoring a try.
Forbes, right winger Ana Marsters and fullback Shiray Tane formed a potent back three for Waikato, but Otago's ability to quickly scatter in defence kept the trio at bay.
Waikato midfielders Teresa Te Tamaki and Honey Hireme worked tirelessly and always posed a threat with the ball in hand, while Carrie Lobb and Crystal Kaua stood out in the lineout.
Otago coach Marty Gray was pleased with his side's performance.
''We knew Waikato would be a step up from last week. They're a very good, well-structured side,'' he said.
Gray was particularly pleased with the way replacement players in the squad stepped up.
Spirit captain Halie Hurring was also pleased with the effort.
''The forwards were definitely on the right page today and our midfield played well,'' Hurring said.
The Spirit has its first away game this Saturday, against Taranaki, as a curtain-raiser to the Taranaki v Bay of Plenty ITM Cup game.
Women's championship
The scores
Otago 27
Micaela Baker, Lucy Anderson, Leyhana van Vugt, Ele Lilo, Angie Sisifa tries; Sheree Hume con
Waikato 15
Moana Forbes 2 tries; Chelsea Alley con, pen
Halftime: 10-10.
