Fijian-born Pita Gus Sowakula scored a crucial try for Taranaki as they held off Otago attacks to claim a tense 30-23 National Provincial Championship win last night.

This puts them at the top of the Championship ladder.

Otago kept Taranaki honest throughout and went to halftime locked at 13-13 despite the visitors’ superiority.

However, a contentious 48th-minute yellow card then put the home side on the back foot.

Taranaki was able to get back into the game with a piece of brilliance from Sowakula putting them back in front in the second-half.

Having scored what proved to be the decisive try, to replace halfback Liam Blyde in the 72nd minute, Taranaki spent most of the rest of the contest camped near their line.

Otago botched two golden opportunities from close-range lineouts, firstly with Fabian Holland knocking on in his leap, then with the pack conceding a maul turnover for not using the ball on time.

Also showing his skills for Otago was Vilimoni Koroi, who stoodout in the number 11 jumper.