Cameron Millar after match-winning penalty: ‘We want those moments’

Cameron Millar stood tall when it mattered most for Otago, slotting an 82nd-minute penalty goal to sink Waikato 44-41 in a thrilling NPC quarter-final – it’s the type of moment every goalkicker dreams of, as the fly-half noted post-game.

Otago finished the regular season in second place with an 8-2 record, which saw them host the first quarter-final. Waikato charged into the playoffs with three wins from their last four games, and the visitors welcomed back some big-name stars for their trip to Dunedin.

Samipeni Finau, Luke Jacobson and Anton Lienert-Brown were all released by the All Blacks to play for their province this week. Another four current All Blacks will feature in the other three knockout matches over the weekend.

Finau was among the try-scorers, with the utility forward playing the full 80, yet Otago were the better team for most of the contest. Waikato trailed by 16 points early in the second term, but they fought their way back with four tries within the last 30 minutes.

Sean Ralph scored with a couple of minutes left, before Tepaea Cook-Savage converted the try to make it an even game. Waikato and Otago were level at 41-all, but when Millar was given a chance to book the hosts’ spot in the semi-finals, the 23-year-old took it.

CAMERON MILLAR – GAME WINNER 😱@OtagoRugbyTeam advance to the Bunnings NPC Semi-Final 🔥

🎥 @skysportnz pic.twitter.com/Yj0BHZKwbm

— Bunnings NPC (@BunningsNPC) October 10, 2025

“I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t have a crack,” Millar said on Sky Sport

“Every kicker knows we want those moments. Make some, miss some, but lucky I got it tonight.

“I was watching it fade away and thought, ‘oh geez, I might hit the post here’ but it’s gone over. Then just that rush of euphoria, I don’t know what happened after that.”

It was a dramatic end to a match which seemed to be going smoothly for Otago at one stage. Halfback Dylan Pledger opened the scoring in the fourth minute, benefiting from a chip ahead from Sam Gilbert, before the Mooloos piled on the points.

Oli Mathis and Finau scored a try each as Waikato built up a 10-point lead, but Jacobson was shown a yellow card in the 27^th minute which proved to be a turning point. Otago regained control with two tries of their own to round out the half.

Pledger completed a double less than one minute into the second term, before Lucas Casey added another five points to Otago’s lead. Otago appeared to be in control after racing out to a 31-15 lead by the 46^th minute.

Cook-Savage, Charlie Marsh and a double from Cook-Savage made things incredibly interesting as full-time neared. Millar showcased nerves of steel to slot that shot about 51 metres out on the angle, meaning Otago will host a semi-final next week.

“Big one was just keeping the ball in front of the forward pack,” Millar explained.

“Obviously they were moving the ball edge to edge with some dangerous backs so we were getting a bit tired, leaked a couple of easy tries at the end there.

“Just keep it in front of the forward pack, back our defence, back what’s worked for us all season.”