Too little too late for the visitors - Auckland full-back Lolagi Visinia scampers over the line on the stroke of full-time, for a consolatory try. Terrific performance from Otago, the rightful victors, who'll now host Hawke's Bay in the championship semi-finals this coming Saturday. Thanks for joining us, and enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Auckland run in a try with 10 minutes to go - Moala crosses in a similar fashion to his first, collecting a beautiful, zippy pass from Fekitoa, and bolting down the touch-line. Hickey converts, and Auckland trail by nine. Nervous final ten for the home-side..
Otago awarded a penalty at the breakdown, and Parker lands his seventh successful kick of the day, extending Otago's lead to 34-21 with just under 17 minutes remaining. Auckland being convincingly outplayed this half, by an aggressive, clinical Otago outfit.
Parker nails another easy peanlty and Otago now have a handy 10-point lead. Terrific determination from Otago to rebuild their lead.
The home-side are rewarded with a try after a patient build up - Liam Coltman secures a crucial turnover on half-way, that puts his side on the front foot. It's Fumiaki Tanaka's short, inside ball that sends his captain through a hole. Grant brushes off the final defender before touching down for the try.
Hickey nails a long distance penalty kick to tie up the scores at 21-all with 44 mins played - a home semi-final in the balance..
Hickey lands a penalty kick on the stroke of halftime to narrow the deficit to three in favour of Otago. The referee calls for half-time as the ball sails through the uprights.
Otago win a penalty inside Auckland territory when the referee spots a player offside. Parker knocks over the kick from a comfortable position, and gives his side some breathing space.
After conceding 11 unanswered points, Auckland find their spark. They break into the Otago half and proceed towards the goal-line at a ferocious pace. A fantastic offload from fly-half, Hickey eventually sends Parkes over on a scything line. The conversion is good, and the lead narrows to three
Very strong quarter from the home-side, as they continue to accumulate momentum. Another penalty comes their way when Popoali'i smashes Hickey, and forces a penalty for 'not releasing'. Parker steps up and converts the penalty to points.