ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire identifies some key points from Otago's ITM Cup match with Auckland at the weekend.
Playing a tighter game
The intent to simplify the gameplan was obvious from Otago. It seems they have figured out their strengths and are playing to them. Three of their four tries came from either mauls or the sequence directly after a maul.
With ball in hand they did not look to do anything too extravagant, using lots of forward runners and pick and go to build some phases. The result of that was that there were fewer risky passes being thrown and the support was closer, meaning they could hold the ball for longer. That forced Auckland into conceding penalties, which Otago turned into points via kicking for the corner and using their lineout drive.
Auckland lucky to not lose a man
The Auckland defensive line was up very fast and they gave away plenty of penalites close to their own line. Despite being warned, they never lost a man and it was surprising they were allowed to continue to get away with infringing while under pressure. That Otago were able to turn three of those instances into tries meant this did not have as big an impact as it could have. However, it was no doubt a contentious point and on another day Auckland may have been down a man for ten minutes.
Solid setpiece
Otago's scrum kept parity and was solid enough, but it was their lineout that really impressed. Sam Anderson-Heather and Sekonaia Pole both threw accurately, while the jumpers, in particular Tom Franklin, were safe targets. That was key, as it provided them with a good platform to launch their maul from and provided them with a reliable source of possession.
Increase in urgency
The overall urgency of the Otago game, particularly in the second half, was far higher than we have seen previously this season. On defence the line got up quickly to shut down the Auckland attacking space, while their accuracy in tackling was far better too. The chase line got up faster to limit the damage the Auckland back three could do, while the support at the breakdown on attack was generally good too.
Fanning out on defence
Otago had a clear tactic of fanning out on defence, leaving the ball, then going after it when it was on. It meant there were fewer gaps in the Otago defensive line and for the most part, they did a good job of making their oneoff tackles. By not competing at the breakdown, they allowed Auckland to hold the ball for longer periods and gave them cleaner ball. The flip side of that was that they made sure they had better cover across the field and did not leave themselves exposed when they went for the ball and did not get it.
When the Auckland support was slow, they did a good job of turning the ball over.
Dawai and Faddes in the right places
Naulia Dawai has been arguably Otago's best player so far this year and he has been overdue a start. He provides spark and explosiveness up front, something that has been lacking this year. In this game he was everywhere, as he got around the field well, ran hard and provided forward momentum in contact, while also showing his ability running in the open and skill with the offload.
Matt Faddes looks a good option at centre, as he brings some flair and creativity that has been lacking there too and is wasted on the wing.
Four crossover games out the way
The first six games of Otago's draw always looked like a near-impossible run. We are now five games through that and as ugly as it has seemed at times, they are only two points outside the championship playoffs. It can be hard to read too much into one performance, but the tactics they employed in this game suit them far better and make mistakes less likely.
If they can maintain that level, there is no reason they could not win their last four games. Of course it is a long way from where we would all like Otago to be, but realistically, third place in the championship is probably where they are at, particularly having probably the toughest draw out of anyone.
