Otago stumbled to a 23-22 loss to Counties-Manukau in their opening NPC game last year and that proved costly. They were in catch-up mode thereafter and never made up the lost ground.
Today’s preseason game against Southland at Kettle Park is a good opportunity to add some polish before their opening game against Tasman in Nelson next week.
Coach Tom Donnelly has named a 31-strong squad for the hit out and everyone is expected to get a run.
"It will be good to test how we want to play this year and give some guys who have not really played at this level before an opportunity, and just work on some combinations for the following week," Donnelly said.
One of the intriguing selections has been the decision to start lock Josh Hill on the blindside.
With Oliver Haig out for the season with an ankle injury, there is an opening for a ball-winning blindside flanker.
"I think he has all the attributes to be a good 6.
"We want one of our loose forwards to have really good aerial skills and he’s got that, being a lock."
Highlanders No8 Tom Sanders has been signed on a one-year deal and will bring some experience and muscle to the pack.
Cameron Millar aggravated an ankle complaint last month but is expected to play 40 minutes in the second half, and Jack Leslie has been sidelined for the entire club season with a groin complaint but has been named at second five. He is eager to get on the paddock.
There will be some strong interest in how certain players go in the Southland lineup as well.
Loosie Semisi Tupou-Ta’eiloa had a rampaging season for Kaikorai and has been snapped up by Southland on a four-year deal.
The big No8 will be learning the ropes from former Otago player Dylan Nel.
Taieri midfielder Matt Whaanga has been named at centre and brother Josh is midfield cover for Otago.
They formed a dynamic duo for Taieri this season, but might find themselves marking each other at some stage.
Otago v Southland
Kettle Park, 2.05pm today
Otago: Finn Hurley, Waisake Naholo, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jack Leslie, Jeremiah Asi, Caleb Leef, Kieran McClea, Sam Fischli, Harry Taylor, Joshua Hill, Josh
Dickson, Fabian Holland, Jermaine Ainsley, Ricky Jackson, Benjamin Lopas. Reserves: Henry Bell, Rohan Wingham, Saula Ma’u, Will Tucker, Sean Withy, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Jake Te Hiwi, Josh Whaanga, Nathan Hastie, Ajay Faleafaga, Jermaine Pepe, Tom Sanders, Will Stodart.
Southland: Greg Dyer, Gabriel Hamer-Webb, Matt Whaanga, Scott Gregory, Michael Manson, Dan Hollinshead, Jay Renton, Dylan Nel, Hayden Michaels, Blair Ryall, Josh Bekhuis, Danny Drake, Morgan Mitchell, Jacob Payne, Jonah Aoina. Reserves: Ben Strang, Joe Walsh, Paula Latu, Shneil Singh, Grayson Knapp, Leroy Ferguson, Semisi Tupou Ta’eiloa, Liam Howley, Tevita Latu, Viliami Fine, Rintaro Maruyama.
