Otago make sure of third place with Northland win

The visitors were in control of the clash at Toll Stadium throughout, running in eight tries en route to maximum points.

Michael Collins, Tony Ensor and James Lentjes all crossed for doubles for Otago, who went into the game sure of a spot in the semi-finals and will now definitely at least finish third while also retaining a slim chance of catching Wellington in second.

Otago trail Wellington by five points going into the final round of fixtures but do hold the tie-breaker following their 37-36 win at Westpac Stadium last month.

The game did provide some solace for Northland, whose six-try showing saw the hosts earn a bonus point that finally gets them off the mark in the penultimate game of a miserable campaign.