Wellington has beaten Southland 30-25 in a bottom of the table clash in the capital to move from 7th to 5th in provincial rugby's ITM Cup Premiership.
With two rounds to go the loss leaves the Ranfurly Shield holders facing demotion to the Championship next season.
Southland scored four tries but could convert only one, and kicked a last minute penalty goal for a second bonus point, while Wellington's first-five Lima Sopoaga converted all three of Wellington's tries and kicked three penalties.
Wellington are 5th with 20 points, the same as Aucklad, while Southland have 19 points.
