The Ranfurly Shield has changed hands for the third time in just over a fortnight, Hawke's Bay dispatching Otago 28-9 in Dunedin.
Michael Collins offloads in Hawke's Bay's Ranfurly Shield challenge against Otago. Photo: Photosport
Otago grabbed the Shield last week off Taranaki, who had edged Canterbury 23-22 the weekend before to claim the coveted prize.
The Magpies held a narrow 7-6 lead at halftime after a try to winger Lolagi Visinia three minutes out from the break, and they maintained momentum from the restart when halfback Folau Fakatava scored early.
A careless tackle earned Otago fullback Vilimoni Koroi a yellow card in the 63rd minute, and Hawke's Bay capitalised soon after when Isaia Walker-Leawere crossed for their third try.
A red card to flanker Slade McDowell with eight minutes remaining destroyed any Otago hopes of a comeback, Kurt Baker scoring the Magpies' fourth try after a storming run down the touchline by skipper Ash Dixon in his 100th game.
Hawke's Bay's first defence will be Northland in a fortnight.
In Mitre 10 Cup action, North Harbour ended Tasman's unbeaten run, Bryn Gatland kicking 20 points as Harbour recorded their first win of the season in the 40-24 win.
In a crossover match, Waikato edged Championship outfit Southland 10-9 in a dour match in Invercargill.
And in the women's Farah Palmer Cup competition, Manawatu downed Otago 28-14 while Hawke's Bay overwhelmed Tasman 62-5.
