North Otago coach Barry Matthews was adamant you cannot coach attitude especially after North Otago's dismal first-half effort against South Canterbury seven days ago.
"I've noted a change in attitude and a greater dedication to training this week but Poverty Bay won't be easy. "They've got some big Fijians that they've had for two or three years and they're good ball-carriers and it's a must-win for them as well," Matthews said.
North Otago must play two top-four teams, Wanganui and Wairarapa-Bush, in its next two matches, a fact that does not worry Matthews.
"It's probably a good thing for us. If we are going to make the top four we've got to beat them sometime and with them being in front of us, if we do beat them, it holds them on those points."
Injury and illness have forced changes in North Otago's line-up. Hamish Buick will start at fullback with Adam Barnard and Tim O'Malley on the wings.
Lemi Masoe returns to centre with Hamish McKenzie making a return to first-class rugby at first five-eighth. The only possible change in the forwards is at tighthead prop where Rangi Hepi and Elliot Booley have been bracketed.
Old Boys lock Sale Pi'i, who was tried on the wing, comes back into the forward reserves while Chris Talanoa and Kamele Rakoko are back reserves.
Rowan McKenzie is unavailable after an injury at practice on Thursday night.
Poverty Bay has a strong leadership trio in first five-eighth and captain Scott Leighton, blindside flanker Sione Ngatu, who has 90-plus caps, and vice-captain and lock Murray Hewson.
There are some crucial games in the fifth round of the Heartland Championship. East Coast (12 points) hosts unbeaten Wanganui (17) in Ruatoria, South Canterbury (15) is at home to Buller and third-placed Wairarapa-Bush (14) plays Mid Canterbury (6) in Masterton.
In other games, Thames Valley (6) hosts King Country (7) and Horowhenua-Kapiti (4) will be chasing its second win of the season when it meets West Coast (7).
By Terry O'Neill.
North Otago v Poverty Bay
Whitestone Contracting Stadium, today, 2.30pm
North Otago: Hamish Buick, Adam Barnard, Lemi Masoe, Billy Guyton, Tim O'Malley, Hamish McKenzie, Nick Webster, Tom Verdonk, Tony Lamborn, Ulisoni Tahitua, Jon George,Eric Duff, Elliot Booley or Rangi Hepi, Michael Paterson, Ralph Darling (c). Reserves: Josh Collier, Rangi Hepi or Elliot Booley, Sale Pi'i, Jamie Townsend, Tai Aholelei, Chris Talanoa, Kameli Rakoko.
Poverty Bay: Kelvin Smith, David Philander, Paula Tikomainaivalu, Nick Wilson, Sione Tupa, Scott Leighton (c), Adam Ross, Andrew Gardner, Toa Halafihi, Sione Ngatu, Jason Tuapawa, Murray Hewson, Jone Lesi, Henry Yortt, Simon Versteeg. Reserves: Jed Miller, Campbell Crisp, Josese Bolabasaga, Tevita Makas, Brad Turei, Moss Doran, Pamona Samupo.
