"What's happened in the past is in the past and has no bearing on the future," Matthews said.
Matthews and Shane Carter have made four changes to the side which beat Mid Canterbury last weekend.
In the forwards, tighthead prop Palenapa Mafi returns to the side with Josh Collier moving from blindside flanker to hooker, while Dylan Winter comes on to the blindside flank.
"Willie Tahitua couldn't attend practice on Tuesday night because his wife was in hospital, but we've brought in Dylan Winter, who gives us a bit more bulk and is a better ball-carrying option around the fringes," Matthew said.
Ben Patston returns to first five-eighth with Hamish McKenzie moving to halfback and Jason Forrest dropping to the bench.
"Jason really defended well in that first half against Mid Canterbury, making at least 11 tackles, and as well is an accurate goalkicker.
"But having Ben at first five-eighth gives us a better tactical kicking option."
East Coast will come south in a positive frame of mind, having won its last four matches to make the semifinals and, if its discipline is tight, it will give North Otago a tough contest.
The East Coast backline is adept at counterattacking, fullback Sikeli Vorenasu is a silky runner and Rua Tipoki brings plenty of experience to the midfield.
Former Poverty Bay winger Tom Teaeki, who played all 10 games for that union in 2010, has also impressed with the ball in hand.
In the other Meads Cup semifinal, top qualifier Wanganui will play Mid Canterbury, a side which gave Wanganui its only defeat in the qualifying round.
No doubt, North Otago would like to see its Hanan Shield neighbour repeat the dose, which would then line up a North Otago home final, presuming the Old Golds can rein in East Coast.
The Lochore Cup semifinals have top qualifier Buller meeting Poverty Bay in Westport, and South Canterbury playing Thames Valley in Timaru.
All games kick off at 1pm. If scores are tied after 80 minutes, 20 minutes of extra time will be played. If the score remains tied, the side scoring the most tries will be declared the winner.
Meads Cup semifinal
- Oamaru, today, 1pm
• North Otago: Billy Guyton, Whiria Meltzer, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Luke Herden, Lemi Masoe, Ben Patston, Hamish McKenzie, Tevita Fifita, Carn Parata, Dylan Winter, Taua Limuloa, Eric Duff, Palenapa Mafi, Josh Collier, Ralph Darling (captain).
Reserves: Michael Paterson, Aisake Fonua, Manu Taiti, Willie Tahitua, Jason Forrest, Rowan McKenzie, Chris Talanoa.
• East Coast: Sikeli Vorenasu, Tom Teaeki, Mike King, Rua Tipoki (captain), Verdon Bartlett, Clayton Kiwara, Charlie Harrison, Mutu Ngarimu, Hoani Te Moana, Morgan Wirepa, Riki Waitoa, Willie Waitoa, Michael Hartley, Ngarimu Simpkins, Tripoli Poi.
Reserves: Robin Wylie, Tanetoa Parata, Pakanui Webb, Ben Parkes, Kahu Ward, Marty Lloyd, Tojo Maaka.
- Terry O'Neill
