It has a seasoned pack. A good combination in the halves. A smart midfielder, a hard-running No 8, some gas out wide and a reliable goal kicker.
But you cannot take anything for granted this season. The first six weeks of the competition have been, well, unpredictable.
Initially, it looked like Taieri might sneak through the season by stringing together a series of close wins. But the defending champions have lost their last three games.
Harbour’s big pack looked an asset early, but the Hawks unravelled against Univer-
sity and do not look to have
a particularly strong kicking game.
University is up one week, down the next. It is hard to get an accurate gauge on where that side sits.
Southern started with three consecutive losses but posted a very good win against Taieri and appears to be on an upward trajectory.
Kaikorai has been the most consistent side. It went unbeaten during the Speight’s Jug but was edged 31-29 by Dunedin last week.
Dunedin has been the big improver. Since their upset lost to Zingari-Richmond, the Sharks have beaten Alhambra-Union, Harbour and Kaikorai.
Alhambra-Union has some strike power out wide and can be dangerous.
Zingari-Richmond is the only one of the nine sides which you could confidently say lags behind.
It is a tight competition. Very tight. And while Green Island coach Dean Moeahu is pleased with where his side is at, he is aware of how quickly fortunes can swing.
The Grizzlies edged Alhambra-Union last weekend and host Southern at Miller Park tomorrow.
"They’re a young side but I just love the enthusiasm with which they are playing," Moeahu said.
"They don’t take things easy. [Luke Herden] is doing a good job with them.
"They are playing a quite abrasive and expansive game, which is going to be tough to combat I think.
"But with the way we trained [on Tuesday night] it is clear how much respect we have for Southern."
Green Island will have workhorse lock Woody Kirkwood fully back online this week.
Talented second five-eighth Ray Nu’u has missed a couple of games with concussion symptoms but is expected to play tomorrow.
James Arscott and Finn Strawbridge direct traffic well at halfback and first five-eighth respectively.
Winger Michael Manson has scored a couple of crucial tries this season and his pace is a major threat.
Isaak Te Hiwi is a deadly goal kicker and, of course, Dylan Nel has been dominant at No 8.
Midfielder Sam Eriepa is closing in on 150 games for the team, while lively hooker Jake Fowler is nearing 50 games.
In the other matches, Taieri will host Alhambra-Union at Peter Johnstone Park, Dunedin plays Harbour at Kettle Park and University will head to Montecillo to play Zingari-Richmond.
■Zingari-Richmond captain Chris Bell will equal the record of 271 appearances at the top level when he plays University tomorrow. The record is held by Erik Vaafusuaga, who played for Taieri and Green Island.
