North Otago coach Barry Matthews is counting on the experience of his backs to counter the loss of his most experienced forward as North Otago eyes a return to the Meads Cup.
Matthews has taken charge of the North Otago side, which has had four years under Mike Mullins, and is keen to return it to the top echelon of the Heartland championship.
It won the second-tier Lochore Cup last season.
The first priority was to get players fit, Matthews said.
"We were probably fitter before the Ranfurly Shield challenge. The guys have gone back to club rugby and been away from us for a while and have only been back with us since last week.
"I know fitness levels were a real concern last year and at the moment we are not as fit as I want us to be. They got a fair old pounding last night [Tuesday] and will continue to do so for the next two to three weeks".
Matthews was pleased with the player depth, but the unavailability of veteran flanker Ross Hay for at least the first three games of the season was a blow.
"His experience will be a big loss. He is an outstanding footballer and if he had a bit more meat on his bones he could have gone a long way."
The absence of Hay has been offset by the inclusion of two veteran backs from the Southern club, Luke Herden and Greg Zampach.
Herden (32) has previously played for North Otago and played for Otago briefly last year.
"I coached Luke when he first played for North Otago five or six years ago and I know he is a good team man. He is a man who speaks from the heart and I watched him this year playing for Southern and I thought he was still playing good rugby."
Zampach (34) is a former Highlander in the twilight of his career, but Matthews said his experience would be valuable in the back three.
North Otago beat Otago Country 40-22 in Lawrence last Saturday, and plays East Coast in Ruatoria on Saturday.
English first five-eighth Ben Patston will be an asset for North Otago, with his ability to kick goals.
Matthews is assisted by former Hurricanes hooker Shane Carter, while ex-Highlanders coach Glenn Moore is helping out with the forwards.
Matthews was assistant coach with the Highlanders this year and would love to remain involved in the professional environment.
"This is the job I've got at the moment and that is what I'm concentrating on. I loved coaching Waitaki Boys', I loved being involved in the Highlanders, and I enjoy North Otago. Anything that gets me coaching I'm happy with."
