The Otago women's sevens team will be looking to grow from its impressive showing at its last hit-out when it plays at the national tournament in Rotorua this weekend.
But a lack of match practice and some high-quality opposition means Otago will have to lift a couple of notches if it wants to make an impact.
The side won the regional qualifying competition in Timaru last month, beating Canterbury in the final, and has been training hard over the past couple of weeks to prepare for the tournament.
The side is a mix of experienced Spirit players, youngsters and a couple of interesting newcomers.
Netballer Renaye Flockton showed some impressive touches at the tournament in Timaru but will not front tomorrow. She suffered a broken hand in Timaru which had not cleared up.
Coach Mike Moeahu said the hand had been bandaged and it was thought it would be right by now, but it was re-examined and the injury was more serious than first thought. It had been put into plaster.
One interesting newcomer is Waimoana Fotofili, the partner of new Highlanders winger Waisake Naholo.
She played for the Waikato side and has some real qualities about her. She has attended Hamilton Girls' High School, a leading school for women's rugby.
Mikayla Latta is the daughter of former Otago captain David Latta.
Moeahu said the players had a break over Christmas but had trained hard last weekend, even in the stifling heat on Saturday.
The likes of Greer Muir, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali and Rebecca Todd were key players for the side and the team would be looking to their experience to make the most of any opportunities.
Players such as hockey forward Phillipa Symes and the Hollows sisters, Tegan and Samara, were relatively new to the game and Moeahu said the young girls were enthusiastic.
''They are just learning the game. Some of them do find it hard and they are still green. But they are asking lots of questions and are working hard,'' he said.
''They start playing the game and they do get better at it. Some of the girls new to it really stood out at the regionals.''
Many of the North Island sides had the advantage of playing in a tournament in Mt Manganui last weekend.
The lack of match practice traditionally made it tough for sides from the South Island to be competitive but Moeahu was impressed with the fitness levels.
The standard would be higher at the nationals so Otago would have to make some real improvements.
The side only needs to finish in the top four of its five-team pool to get into the quarterfinals on Sunday.
It has a tough draw against heavyweights Auckland and Waikato.
Otago made the quarterfinals last year but lost narrowly to eventual winner Manawatu.
