For a side which is to play at the highest first-class level this was akin to a nuclear physicist lining up in the kindergarten maths quiz, but there can be few complaints when it scores more than a point a minute.
The Sassenachs XV, a shadow Otago side, had a convincing 87-0 win over South Canterbury at Forsyth Barr Stadium last night, scoring 13 tries, and was simply too quick, strong and talented for the men from Timaru.
The home side led 40-0 at the break, and was too well organised for its South Canterbury rival which toiled away but lacked the firepower and sheer talent to mount much of a response.
There were some nice touches from the Sassenachs, with the backs running hard on to the ball and creating space on the outside. The good thing about the stadium is it is easy to move the ball, and though the home side could have been tempted to do so, it kept to a structure and did not turn the match into touch rugby.
Otago coach Tony Brown said he was happy with the game, and the team performance.
"I thought at times we put some good stuff together and scored some nice tries. We stuck to our game plan, which was good," Brown said.
"In these sort of games things can get a bit loose but the boys stayed tight and kept our structures going.
"That was the key thing, to keep our structure . . . we kept our width and the back three scored some nice tries."
He said the game marked a starting point and there was still plenty to work on in the next week.
The only disappointing note was the loss of back Glenn Dickson, who left the field in the first minute.
Brown said Dickson received a stinger to the shoulder and he decided to take him off. Dickson should have no lingering effects from the injury.
Brown said the game was well worthwhile, and a Sassenachs game was always a good way to start the season.
Otago's next warm-up game is against Tasman on August 12, again at the stadium.
The Sassenachs took eight minutes to score its first try through fullback Tony Ensor, who was a constant threat. He managed to pick up a loose ball 10m out to run over to score, and that was the first of plenty.
Both reserves benches got good workouts.
Dickson's replacement, Fassiu Fuatai, had a strong-running game, while first five-eighth Peter Breen missed the first and last conversion but got all the rest in between to finish with 27 points for the match.
South Canterbury tried hard but the gap between Heartland championship and the next level up is getting wider.
Outside back Sekope Maea worked hard for the visiting side while flanker Eric Smith never gave up.
Both sides finished with schoolboys in their teams. Otago Boys' halfback Josh Renton played a quarter of an hour at the end and Roncalli College lock Matthew Stewart played 50 minutes for South Canterbury.
ITM Cup pre-season
The scores
Sassenachs XV ... 87
Tony Ensor 3, Buxton Popoali'i 2, Lee Allan 2, Lex Kaleca 2, Matt Faddes, Jayden Spence, Fassiu Fuatai, Peter Breen tries, Breen 11 con
South Canterbury ... 0
Halftime: 40-0
Crowd: 350
Four to shine for the Sassenachs XV Fullback
Tony Ensor: Used his blinding speed to good effect resulting in three tries. Went past the first man easily and cut through a South Canterbury defence which became more jagged as the game went on. Needs to work on his distribution.
Halfback Fumiaki Tanaka: Possesses a sweet pass which gave those outside him a dream ride. Always quick to move the ball on and find his forwards to get them over the advantage line. Has to practise his box kicking.
Flanker Lee Allan: Scored two tries and was constantly in support. Is big enough to make the hits hurt and roamed all around the paddock.
Prop Scott Manson: Made an encouraging start - it is looming as a big year for him. Popped up all over the field, was part of a solid scrum and even showed some deft ball skills.
