Southland Country was comfortably too strong for Otago Country in the representative match played in Milton on Saturday.
Southland Country was too fast in both the forwards and the backs, and deserved its 27-5 win.
Otago Country, outscored four tries to one, showed a big improvement from recent games, but will have a hard task against Canterbury Country in its next appearance.
The Southland side opened the scoring after 25 minutes, when lock Harry Swain crashed across the line. Flanker Morgan Mitchell was next to cross after backs and forwards combined.
Southland Country went further ahead with a try to winger Bram Fodie, and led 17-0 at halftime.
In the second spell, Otago Country played with more purpose. After five minutes, No 8 Simon Grant scored a very good try.
For the next 20 minutes, the game was very even as both teams defended strongly.
Southland fullback Shay Moseby kicked a penalty, then scored a try, which he converted, to complete the scoring.
For Southland Country, openside flanker Lachlan McCall was superb, and was deservedly named the man of the match.
Others to show out in the pack were hooker Tu Dawai and lock Isei Nagau. In the backs, Moseby was a dangerous man when he came into the line, while Jeremy McLeod and winger Bram Fodie showed plenty of pace.
Otago Country showed a big improvement. Grant led the forwards well, and Blair Young and Craig Hyslop also gave a boost.
In the backs, Jai Baxter was the best of the Otago team. He moved the ball well and was always in control of what ball his side received. Tyler Bichan also had a fine game at centre.
By Norman Woods.
Country rugby
The scores
Southland Country 27
Morgan Mitchell, Harry Swain, Shay Moseby, Bram Fodie tries; Moseby 2 con, pen
Otago Country 5
Simon Grant try
Halftime: Southland Country 17-0.
