Thr Otago under-19 team will be straight into must-win territory when it plays its first competitive game of the season against Tasman in Nelson today.
The side had a warm-up game and victory over the Sassenachs Colts last Saturday but things get serious today as it plays Tasman in the South Island pool.
Along with these two teams, Southland and Canterbury make up the South island pool for the under-19 competition. The top two South island teams will go through to the top eight at the national tournament in Taupo next month. A win today against Tasman would go a long way to getting into the top two.
Otago coach Luke Herden, who is assisted by Hale T-Pole and Seilala Mapusua, said the side was aware of the tough task ahead of it today and would be looking to get on the front foot early.
The team had depth among its second row and loose forwards, with Kaikorai flanker Slade McDowall set to captain the team again this year.
He will be joined in the loose forwards by University flanker Sam Dickson and Kaikorai No8 Patrick McCurran.
Dunedin first five-eighth George Witana and University hooker Ricky Jackson are also premier club players who will be turning out.
Herden said the side did not have as many premier club players as previous teams but still had plenty of talent.
University Colts flanker Jack McHugh has been shifted to second five-eighth by Herden, who feels the youngster has the ability to be a quality midfielder.
The Tasman side was expected to have some top-notch backs. Otago would leave Dunedin Airport at 6.30am today and the game is set to kick off at 3pm.
Otago will play Southland in Dunedin next Saturday and then take on Canterbury in Christchurch on September 2.
The national tournament will be held in Taupo the following weekend.
Otago under-19
Team to play Tasman
Angus Gray, Chase Owen, Trevor Smith, Jack McHugh, Tom Yarrall, George Witana, Tom Hogan, Patrick McCurran, Slade McDowall (captain), Sam Dickson, William Kirkwood, Josh Hill, Corrie Barrett, Ricky Jackson, Kilipati Lea. Reserves: Jake Turrell, Sam Pene, Mamea Taimalie, Isimeli Tuivaga, Alex Niedzwiecki, William Boswell, George Thomas, Devin Lawson.