Strong defence pressured Dunedin into errors and gained Kaikorai an upset win against last year’s champion at Bishopscourt.
Dunedin looked to have the game in the bag when it played with the wind in the second spell with the scores level, 15-15, at the break.
Dunedin camped inside the Kaikorai 22m for much of the second spell but could only score one try because of strong defence by the Kaikorai forwards and pressure from the backs.
When No 8 Joe Dobson scored after seven minutes, Dunedin led 22-15 and had the game in its grasp because it had the advantage of a 10-point wind.
Dunedin appeared to have the game in control until breakouts after 30 and 38 minutes led to tries by lock Noa Soqeta and No 8 Kensak Palepoi and gave Kaikorai a narrow win.
First five-eighth Cam Rutherford kicked accurately and controlled play efficiently and was the best of the Kaikorai backs.
Wing Richard Cowley had the spark that led to the two breakouts while Soqeta, Palepoi and flanker Lee Allan played well in the forwards.
Halfback Robbie Smith was the only Dunedin back to end the game with credit but forwards Gareth Evans, Andrew Mackintosh, Richard Thompson and Will Henry had rugged games in the pack.
Kaikorai 29 (Mark McGregor, Cam Rutherford, Kensak Palepoi, Noa Soqeta tries; Rutherford pen, 3 con), Dunedin 25 (Joe Bradley, Joe Dobson, Gareth Evans, Richard Thompson tries; Robbie Smith pen, con).
Halftime: 15-15.
Referee: Tim Baker.
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