The annual pre-season derby against the Southland Stags is always an opportunity to try some newcomers and give any regulars a chance to blow away the cobwebs ahead of the NPC, just two weeks away.
"We’re just trying to get a few combinations, really, and test some of the stuff we are trying this year under some real pressure," Otago coach Tom Donnelly said yesterday.
"If we can execute some skills and be accurate with some of the stuff we do, we’ll be pretty happy."
Otago has only had one full week of training as a squad, and several players are still sick or unavailable.
Donnelly has had no choice but to roll the dice on the forward pack, in particular.
All Blacks prop George Bower, Maori All Blacks tight forwards Jermaine Ainsley and Josh Dickson, captain James Lentjes, No 8 Christian Lio-Willie and Taieri club final players Sam Fischli, Brady Robertson and Josh Hill are all sick or on leave.
Lentjes trained this week as he nears a return from the shoulder injury he suffered on Highlanders duty but is not quite ready for a full game, while Lio-Willie is out till the second or third round of the NPC.
That means youngsters like New Zealand under-20 representatives Oliver Haig and Fabian Holland are joined in the pack by rising prop Saula Ma’u, co-captain Sean Withy and new No 8 Rupeni Tamani, a recent arrival to the province.
Former Wellington halfback Kemara Hauiti-Parapara starts next to New Zealand colts first five Cameron Millar.
The rest of the Otago backline looks as strong as anything in the NPC.
Jona Nareki makes his comeback after a long injury break, joining Vilimoni Koroi and Sam Gilbert in a potent back three, while the all-Highlanders combination of Josh Timu and Thomas Umaga-Jensen promises much in midfield.
Donnelly knows that is a backline that looks promising but it will need some time to get things clicking.
"It’s about us going out and putting some execution and skills on the paddock."
Among the reserves are Melbourne Rebels midfielder Raymond Nu’u, Highlanders prop Josh Hohneck and Moana Pasifika prop Tau Koloamatangi.
They join a handful of greenhorns like New Zealand colts Jake Te Hiwi and Finn Hurley, Taieri captain Leroy Ferguson and Southern first five Jack Leslie.
Donnelly, leading Otago for a third campaign, can see the opening round of the NPC — Otago is away to Counties-Manukau on August 6 — approaching quickly.
"It’s pretty exciting," he said.
"We’ve got a pretty good team on paper but it’s around getting results now, and putting performances on the park that we are proud of."
Donnelly was joined on the sidelines this week by a familiar face.
Otago great Ben Smith has been on hand to pass on some of his experience and inspiration.
"Ben has come in to do a little bit of coaching and do some work with our leaders," Donnelly said.
"Just being around the group and adding his experience has been awesome."
A solid-looking Stags team contains plenty of familiar faces for today’s clash at Rugby Park.
Highlanders prop Ethan de Groot — unless he is whistled back into the All Blacks — leads a pack containing former Highlanders lock Josh Bekhuis.
Veteran Highlanders first five Marty Banks guides a backline featuring former Highlanders and Chiefs fullback Robbie Robinson, former Dunedin club players Matt Whaanga and Michael Manson, and winger Rory van Vugt, who made his Super Rugby debut this year.
NPC pre-season
Invercargill, today, 2.05pm
Otago: Sam Gilbert (co-captain), Vilimoni Koroi, Josh Timu, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Kemara Hauiti-Parapara, Rupeni Tamani, Sean Withy (co-captain), Oliver Haig, Will Tucker, Fabian Holland, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Harry Press, Tau Koloamatangi, Josh Hohneck, Will Stodart, Taylor Dale, Jin Ho Mun, Raymond Nu’u, Jake Te Hiwi, Rohan Wingham, Leroy Ferguson, Finn Hurley, Jeremiah Asi, Jack Leslie.
Southland: Robbie Robinson, Michael Manson, Isaac Te Tamaki, Matt Whaanga, Rory van Vugt, Marty Banks, Jay Renton, Arese Poliko, Matt James, Grayson Knapp, Josh Bekhuis, Caleb Aperahama, Niko Manaena, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Joe Walsh, Shaun Stodart, Paula Latu, Jacob Payne, Quinn Harrison-Jones, Joe Robins, Ben Morris, Jacob Coghlan, Hayden Michaels, Charles Alaimalo, Jahvis Wallace, Kieran Lee, Levi Emery.
