Halfback Nick Annear used his speed to score three tries as University A stormed into the semi-finals with a convincing 41-22 win over Pirates at the University Oval today.
The students were the third team to confirm a spot for the play-offs in Dunedin premier rugby with Taieri and Dunedin.
Southern and Kaikorai both have a chance to claim the fourth spot next Saturday.
The students held a narrow 18-17 lead at the break but Pirates came back and led 22-18 early in the second spell.
The other standout player for the students was first five-eighth Stephen Fenemor who kicked six goals and scored 16 points.
Aggressive flanker Josh Clark was the star of the Pirates team.
Taieri kept its top spot with a commanding six try 39-3 win over Alhambra-Union at Peter Johnstone Park.
Fullback Kori Rupeni, centre Kieran Moffat and No 8 Charlie O'Connell all scored two tries.
Kaikorai went on the rampage and scored nine tries to beat Green Island 62-8 at Bishopscourt.
Fullback Tony Ensor played a key role with his long punting and speed on the follow up to score two tries.
First five-eighth Cam Rutherford had his kicking boots on and landed eight goals to score17 points.
Dunedin scored two tries in the last 10 minutes to beat Southern 20-16 at Kettle Park.
Harbour had its best game of the season when it scored seven tries to beat Zingari-Richmond 53-26 at Montecillo.
Harbour 53, Zingari-Richmond 26; Dunedin 20, Southern 16; Taieri 39, Alhambra-Union 3; Kaikorai 62, Green Island 8; University A 41, Pirates 22.
