A rare moment of celebration for Otago as prop Halani Aulika scores in the second half of the ITM Cup rugby match against Taranaki at Carisbrook this evening. The 25-15 loss firmly cements Otago at the bottom of the championship points table with five straight losses from five games.
Scroll down for more action from the field and fans around the ground....
Fans from both the Otago and Taranaki camps on the terraces as the match ball is brought out to the centre of the pitch. Big prop Kees Meeuws (top right) leads the Otago team out to get the game underway.
Second five Andrew Parata (left) looks to pass and first five Glenn Dickson makes a clean break (top centre). Taranaki score early in the game (top right) and Otago wing Ryan Shortland (bottom right) attempts to evade the Taranaki defence.
More fans on the terraces as well as some half time entertainment.
Kees Meeuws (top left) makes a charge up the field and half back Sean Romans (top centre) about to pass. The Taranaki reserves look on from the sideline as Adam Thomson (bottom right) tries to break the Taranaki defence.
Sean Romans (left) and Glenn Dickson (top centre) in action. The Otago team celebrates after lock Hoani Matenga scores (bottom centre). Kees Meeuws (top right) looks on from the sideline as the coaches ring in the changes from the bench.
Hulani Aulika (left) leaves the field after a hard day at the office and the young fans line the sideling in anticipation of getting an autograph from their heroes as a dejected Adam Thomson makes his way back to the sheds after the full time whistle.
If you would like to know more about the ITM Cup rugby competition, including teams, fixtures and results to date, then check out the NZ Rugby Website.
