Can they carry on from where they left off?
Last year Otago's season was notable for the team's huge improvement throughout. A change in tactics, more confidence and a bunch of vastly improved individuals saw them play some stellar rugby through the back end of the competition. With plenty of players returning, they will go into the season with high hopes of recapturing this form from the get-go. They will need a strong start too, playing four of their home games in their first six matches and the majority of their championship rivals during this period. If they keep building the way they did last year, this side could mount a challenge to win the division.
How will they look to attack?
Part of Otago's change of fortune last year came from a tactical adjustment. While early on they looked to play with width, it soon became apparent they didn't have the backs to beat defenders in straight one-on-one contests. They had to get the defence on the back foot first and bring defenders in to open up space. They began to play a narrower game, using forward runners and targets closer to the ruck to obtain go-forward. They cleaned out well at the breakdown too, ensuring they got quick ball, which meant defences struggled to reset in time and gaps opened up out wide. It would be a surprise if they did not take a similar approach this year, particularly given the quality they have in the tight five.
Will Super Rugby experience count for much?
Otago has been a young team in recent years, but those youngsters have come through the ranks and the team now has many players with Super Rugby experience, including nine who played this year. A handful of those have performed well at the next level, although most had to fight for game time. The experience they gained could be important though. After training and playing at a higher level, they will be used to a more physical and faster game. They will come out of that environment having had to make decisions faster and be more aggressive in contact.
How much spark will the backline offer?
They have toiled hard in recent times, but Otago's biggest drawback has often been their lack of X-factor. That began to improve last year, and it is now no secret that Matt Faddes is a handful with ball in hand. However, one player isn't going to win a championship. There are certainly others with potential, but whether they can deliver on a consistent basis is another question. Solid players who work hard and take the right options are a dime a dozen around New Zealand. To really make a difference, you have to offer something extra.
Will anyone step up at halfback?
While Otago look solid in most positions, halfback has been a problem since Fumiaki Tanaka left and Brad Weber was let go. Youngster Josh Renton was thrown in the deep end and after looking shaky initially, came on to deliver several good performances at the end of last year. However, he picked up a knee injury in club rugby and is unlikely to play again this year. So it is back to square one. Kaide Whiting played for the team last year and will be better for his experience, although has had concussion issues and needs some rugby. Hawke's Bay product Jono Ruru is an interesting prospect, while Josh Walden was called into the squad this week. At present the jersey remains up for grabs, and whether anyone takes their opportunity in it could determine how well this team goes.
Can they improve defensively?
Provincial rugby in this era is renowned for its open play and often flimsy defence, but Otago's defence was particularly poor last year. Towards the end of the season they folded in the final 30 minutes far too many times, leaking a lot of tries. They were just missing tackles, often from trying to go too high and not hitting with the shoulder. While you might get away with that in club rugby, at provincial level you get pushed off. That forces you to have to scramble and from there it is hard to recover. This year making their first-up tackles needs to be a big focus point for Otago.