Otago's Christian Lio-Willie looks to break through Taranaki defence. PHOTO: GREGOR RICHARDSONThe 36-17 defeat to a run-it-from-anywhere Taranaki side has more or less sunk Otago's playoff prospects. But Taranaki also just played the game with too much pace and width for Otago. But Otago took the lead with a trio of penalties to Sam Gilbert to close out the half. Tom Sanders got himself sent to the bin for a tip tackle and Taranaki struck immediately.

Source: Otago Daily Times September 16, 2023 22:24 UTC