An upset 42-10 win by North Harbour over Tasman in Nelson on Saturday night has led to Otago hosting the first of the Championship semifinals at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Friday night, facing up to Tasman for the third time in just over two months.
Tasman had the chance to grab a home semifinal if it beat North Harbour but it never looked likely, after trailing 20-3 at halftime.
Otago coach Tony Brown said the win by the previously winless Harbour showed the evenness of the competition.
"It is not too often you support North Harbour but I think it just shows that any side on its day can beat any other side. You've got things like short turnarounds which makes it tough for some teams," Brown said.
"Player attrition is also always tough at this time of year and Tasman did choose to rest a few players."
With the game now scheduled for Friday night, Otago will have eight days off between games which should enable tired bodies to get some rest.
Otago endured a rugged match against Auckland at the stadium last Thursday night and cleared its bench after numerous players picked up injuries.
At this stage, the only non-starter is lock Tom Franklin, who pulled his hamstring in the game against Auckland and will not be right for the semifinal.
His locking partner, Justin Ives, received a nasty cut to the face on Thursday. He is one of many players described by Brown as being 50-50 for the game.
"It was looking pretty bad straight after the game on Thursday. It is still not great but with a semifinal at home the boys will want to play."
Brown said he would wait as as late as possible before deciding on players.
In doubt are: prop Tama Tuirirangi (knee), Ives (face), loose forwards Lee Allan (ribs) and Gareth Evans (ankle), and fullback Tony Ensor (knee).
First five-eighth Hayden Parker left the field against Auckland with a hip injury but Brown said he should be fine to train this week.
Tasman also lost some players to injury in the game against North Harbour and will look to regroup this week.
Tasman played Otago in a pre-season game on August 12, winning 42-22, but Otago beat Tasman 39-13 in the game that mattered, an ITM Cup fixture last month.
Playing at home was a huge help, Brown said.
"The guys really enjoy playing there [the stadium] and it is good for Otago rugby. It will be good to get a good crowd, who will get in behind the guys and give some real support."
Brown said training would be fairly light this week given the number of injuries the side has.
The other semifinal, to be played on Saturday afternoon, pits top qualifier Counties-Manukau against Southland in Pukekohe.
Counties-Manukau will go in the heavy favourite but Southland will want to make the most of the opportunity, having just squeaked into the playoffs through a last-minute try to beat Manawatu on Friday night.
In the premiership, Canterbury crushed Bay of Plenty 63-22 in Christchurch yesterday to clinch top spot. The red and blacks drew level on 39 points with Wellington - which earlier beat Taranaki 33-17 - but surpassed the Lions on points differential.
Canterbury will now host Taranaki in next weekend's semifinals, while Wellington will welcome Auckland to the Cake Tin.
