21 Sep 2014

Otago thrash Waikato, Lions lose again

6:44 pm on 21 September 2014

The Otago rugby team have shocked Premiership visitors Waikato with an historic 38-7 bonus point thrashing, to climb into the Championship playoff places, above neighbours Southland.

Otago pivot Hayden Parker dots down at Forsyth Barr Stadium

Otago pivot Hayden Parker dots down at Forsyth Barr Stadium Photo: PHOTOSPORT

It's Otago's biggest victory and winning margin over Waikato and sees the Razorbacks climb into the playoff places in the provincial Championship into fourth place, above neighbours Southland.

First five Hayden Parker scored one of Otago's four tries, Parker also kicking 18 points.

Waikato's lone five-pointer went to rising star Damian McKenzie, who also converted.

Young Waikato star Damian McKenzie

Young Waikato star Damian McKenzie Photo: PHOTOSPORT

Waikato are fifth in the Premiership, five points out of the playoffs places.

Meanwhile, Wellington's misery continues after a humiliating 42-20 rout at home in the capital at the hands of high-flying Tasman - the Lions have now lost six straight games.

Tasman scored five tries and led 21-6 at half-time, increasing their lead to 35-6 before Wellington scored two late tries.

The Makos climb to second in the Premiership with three regular season games remaining, above Taranaki on points difference.