Week 7 review - Wairarapa Bush send North Otago packing

Defending champions Wairarapa Bush gave a warning they will not surrender the Meads Cup trophy without a fight when they beat North Otago 15-7 in Masterton on Saturday.

The South Islanders arrived at memorial Park brimming with confidence after going unbeaten for six matches but were given a rude awakening from their hosts who had lost two matches from six.

Wairarapa lock Tomasi Kedrebuka, hooker Joe Harwood and flanker Nathan Rolls were outstanding in a pack which blitzed North Otago in the scrums and outmuscled them in the ruck and mauls.

Inside backs Hamish McKenzie and John Dodd were also influential in keeping North Otago on the backfoot throught with their astute tactical choices.

Despite the loss, North Otago remain on top of the Meads Cup standings with Mid Canterbury second and Wairarapa third, unchanged.