King Country ‘test’ for North Otago
OAMARU: North Otago coach Nigel Walsh is seeking some more consistency from his side as King Country journeys south to Oamaru.
Though it is still relatively early days in the Heartland Championship, this match is one North Otago needs to win. It is shaping as a fairly even competition, so winning home games is a priority for every team.
Walsh is not playing down the importance of this afternoon’s match.
‘‘We’ve let two of our games slip away from us, so this game against King Country is really a test match for us this afternoon. Only one point separates the two sides,’’ he said. ‘‘Again we’ve got to stick to the game plan. They have got to realise that there are 15 of us out on the paddock, not just one or two.
‘‘We’ll be also looking for an impact from the bench, as we did last week. We’ve got a strong bench this week. Against Buller trailing 1027 at halftime the bench showed what impact it can pro duce when it pulled us up to a 3130 lead late in the game.’’
Buller slotted a late dropped goal to win the game.
North Otago has made some changes for this match.
In the backs centre Sala Halaleva is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Lemi Masoe shifts to centre and Oscar Pamment goes to second fiveeighth.
First fiveeighth Dan Lewis returns to the side, after missing the Buller game with an ankle injury. Maheno’s Adam Johnson make his North Otago debut on the right wing.
In the forward pack Don Lolo comes in to lock the scrum with Tom McDonald, while Josh Clark moves on to the blindside flank and Filipo Veamatahau is on the bench.
‘‘Don has been training with us throughout the season but he is unable to travel to away games. So he gets a chance to see what he can bring to the side. Another Lolo, Lio, who has starred in the sevens game, joins the back reserves.’’
Former All Black halfback Alby Mathewson will turn out for King Country.