Romans was the third-string halfback in the Highlanders this year and did not get one minute of action, having to sit behind Jimmy Cowan and Aaron Smith.
"It was a pretty frustrating Super 15 and that is probably why I'm getting pretty excited about getting on the field for Otago. I'm really enjoying being on the field," Romans said.
"For a halfback, it is important to be playing, because 90% of your job is about decision-making. And it is pretty tough to train Tuesday-Thursday, and not get a game on Saturday. You've just got to get in the saddle and get a bit of experience.
"I just had to get back to club and sort a few things out there. In that respect it was good, to try a few things at that level, but it was frustrating."
Romans (26) has played in every Otago game this season, and today will be his 43rd match in the blue and gold jersey.
Canterbury is a tough task for an Otago side that although having won half its matches, is not quite nailing its game. Romans says the side has progressed but still has a way to go.
"I think the team has taken big strides from last year but there are still things we need to improve on. With regards to consistency, we probably need to get better there. If we get our structure, set piece and decision-making right, then we're as good as any team in the comp.
"When we get right, our attack looks good, our defence looks solid, we look good, but I just don't think we are getting it right enough. Just a matter of being more consistent in what we do and backing our skills and structure in getting it right."
Romans said his own game was benefiting from the hard work of those in front of him, although there was still plenty to work on.
"I'm a bit more pleased than this time last year and the tight five are doing a good job. Obviously, I'm still looking to improve and be a bit more of a threat on attack."
With Manawatu and Hawkes Bay confirming spots in the championship final, Otago is just playing for pride, but the team has the landmark of being the first Otago side to play at the new stadium.
The team trained there on Thursday night and Romans was looking forward to getting out on the new pitch.
"As iconic as Carisbrook was, you can't argue with the new stadium. It is amazing. You get in there and even with no people, the seats are right on top of you. It is going to make a hell of a lot of noise.
"It's really good to run on. I thought it would be rock hard, but it has a bit of give. It is just going to be great for the type of rugby you want to play."
Romans will have to be on form tonight against a Canterbury team with everything to play for. Canterbury knows if it wins well, it will host the premiership final.
Otago is not far away from clicking and its defence was impressive against Tasman last Sunday. The side just has to cut out the sloppy errors and be more ruthless on attack.
• Otago Country will play Southland Country in a curtain-raiser kicking off at 4pm.
OTAGO v CANTERBURY
- Forsyth Barr Stadium, tonight, 6.35pm
• Referee: Garratt Williamson (Wellington)
• TAB odds: Otago $3.30, Canterbury $1.30
• Otago: Glenn Dickson, Ben Smith, Ben Atiga, Sam Giddens, Buxton Popoali'i, Tony Brown, Sean Romans, Gareth Evans, Regan Tamihere, TJ Ioane, Tom Donnelly (captain), Daniel Ramsay, Kees Meeuws, Liam Coltman, Scott Manson.
Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Brett Anderson, Pieter van der Merwe, Rob Verbakel, Paul Grant, Johnny Legg, Hayden Parker, Joe Hill.
• Canterbury: Tom Taylor, Johnny McNicholl, Robbie Fruean, Ryan Crotty, Patrick Osborne, Tyler Bleyendaal, Willi Heinz, Nasi Manu, Matt Todd, George Whitelock (captain), Ash Parker, Luke Romano, Nepo Laulala, Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett.
Reserves: Paul Ngauamo, Joe Moody, Joel Everson, Brendon O'Connor, Takerei Norton, Telusa Veainu, Rhys Llewellyn, Andrew Olorenshaw.
