But Auckland's lead is short lived - Otago earn a penalty when the visitors infringe at the breakdown. They point to posts, and Parker guides the ball over. Otago then follow up their three point penalty with a five point try. They secure possession off the restart, and continue the assault. After a number of minutes of probing, Parker delivers a beautiful cross-field kick to lock-forward Tom Donnelly - Try!

Quick response from the visitors - They sweep the ball wide off the back of the set-piece, exploiting a sparsely defended wing. Moala tears down the touch-line and reclaims the lead for his side. Hickey's conversion attempt drifts wide of the uprights.

Otago secure possession on half way and begin searching for holes in this Auckland defence. They sweep the ball from touch-line to touch-line in search of space. Eventually, an inside ball from Kieran Moffat sends a rampaging Buxton Popoali'I under the posts. Referee consults the TMO regarding the pass, but the try is allowed, and Parker extends the lead to four.

Bright start from Auckland as they stretch the Otago defence and it is Simon Hickey who opens the scoring with a well-taken penalty.

Tonight, third place Championship side, Otago welcome third place Premiership side, Auckland to Forsyth Barr. Otago have had an interesting season, with a number of memorable performances, as well as some less memorable ones.. Their short-lived tenure with the Ranfurly Shield seemed to lift the side only for them to relinquish it to Hawke's Bay. A 16-49 defeat to Tasman then looked to have brought an end to their season, but they've recovered well, winning three from five of their last games. Canterbury's 38-0 win over North Harbour last week means Auckland will travel to AMI Stadium next Saturday for the premiership semi-finals regardless of today's outcome. This may well be an interesting match-up - Otago have an opportunity to land a home semi-final with a win while Auckland have had their fate sealed by semi-final opponents Canterbury. This added motivation may provide the difference. Kick off on the way!