But they will run out in pink today all in support of a good cause.
North Otago will play in pink jerseys when they meet Mid Canterbury in Weston this afternoon in support of a motor neurone disease charity.
It is a big day out at the Weston Domain for the community — the jerseys will be auctioned off to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease New Zealand Charitable Trust after the game — and North Otago coach Jason Forrest would love nothing more than a win to cap the occasion.
The Old Golds sit 10th in the Heartland Championship with three games remaining before the playoffs and will be tested against the fourth-placed Hammers.
Last week’s 44-31 loss to neighbours South Canterbury, who remain the benchmark yet again, was another dagger — especially after North Otago led 28-17 at halftime.
"So close again last week and that’s just obviously been a bit of a theme for us this year unfortunately," Forrest said.
"It was probably 32 minutes of the best rugby we’ve played for a long time, not just this year, for a long, long time, and obviously 48 of not much."
More of that mindset from the opening half against South Canterbury is needed this afternoon.
"It’s obviously a big day, not just us as a team, but the community in regard for what we’re doing for the motor neurone disease.
"We are proud of our performance this year, we’re just not getting the wins, but we’re not far away.
"Just want to put a performance on that’s going to prove to people that we are good enough, more than anything.
"We deserve to just start getting some wins to be fair, because they’ve put in a lot of hard work."
Co-captain Cameron Rowland will lead the pack from the openside, while co-captain Mat Duff will come off the bench.
Hayden Todd shifts from centre to the left wing, former North Harbour winger Osea Qamasea makes his first appearance this season on the other wing and Matia Qiolevu comes in at centre. Mavaetangi Finau shifts to the bench.
Big Excelsior prop Mateo Qolisese returns from a preseason injury to make his debut off the bench and Valley first five Isaac Clunie could also make his debut.
Former Otago halfback and Waitaki Boys’ product Kieran McClea will start at halfback for the Hammers.
Heartland Championship
Weston, 2.30pm
North Otago: Ben McCarthy, Osea Qamasea, Matia Qiolevu, Tini Feke, Hayden Todd, Greg Dyer, Jake Matthews, Kasmilia Vaihu, Cameron Rowland, Savenaca Rabaka, Lawrence Leung-Wai, Fergus Read, Bradley Harwood, Ryusei Kato, Jake Greenslade. Reserves: Mat Duff, Mateo Qolisese, Max Sawers, Jacob Pledger, Anthony Docherty, Mavaetangi Finau, Oli Knopp, Isaac Clunie.
Mid Canterbury: Thomas Middleton, Hugh Griffith, George Harding, Toetu Touli, Raitube Vasurakuta, Nathan McCloy, Kieran McClea, Michael Hennings, Declan McCormack, Kaydis Hona, Ashton McArthur, McGregor Best, Adam Williamson, Callum Burrell, Tadeo Andriani. Reserves: Gordon Hausia, Manueli Peckham, Hosh Dunlea, Ryan Morton, Shepherd Mhembere, Josh Lennox, Tom Reekie, Ben Innes.
