Top four now likely to qualify for semis

As the second round of Dunedin premier club rugby gets under way, rugby writer Steve Hepburn takes a look at how the nine teams rank.

Taieri

Record: 611 (31 pts)

The Eels have the bye this week and will look back at the first round with plenty of satisfaction. Tight five going well, loose forwards hunting together while the backs have found plenty of room and scored some nice tries. Injury issues but what team has not?

Tip: Could be handicapped by losing Otago players at the business end of the season but top four for sure.

University

Record: 602 (31 pts)

The academics have come out of the gates very well and were unbeaten before falling to Taieri and Southern. Not the biggest of sides but defends very well and has a talented insideback combination. Has the added bonus of getting players back from the Highlanders but in some ways that can be more of a hindrance than a help.

Loose forward Jack McHugh and first fiveeighth Roman Blackman going well.

Tip: Plenty of depth. Should be top four.

Southern

Record: 512 (29 pts)

There was plenty of doom and gloom coming out of Bathgate Park after a slow start to the season. But players have put their hands up and got some spring in their step. Josh Gordon is looking powerful out wide and Liam Howley is warming to his work at halfback. Highlanders lock Pari Pari Parkinson is a good addition. Much will centre around whether Mika Mafi stays or heads to North Otago.

Tip: Should be good enough for top four but needs everyone to stay fit.

Dunedin

Record: 44 (25 pts)

The mob from Kettle Park has been all over the place. Got smashed by Taieri early on but has won the games which have mattered. Rather onedimensional and overdoes the crash and bash. Hame Toma impressed in the loose but losing first fiveeighth George Witana is a big blow. As long as it wins the ones that count should be fine.

Tip: Will do just enough to make the top

four.

Harbour

Record: 323 (22 pts)

If it had won the games it drew, the side would be well in the top four. Rugged with plenty of grunt and toughness up front. New halfback Melani Matavao comes with big raps. Logan Allen is playing well at first fiveeighth while the forward pack is dominating many sides.

Tip: If it can win the ones it is expected to and then grab an upset or two, it may be in the semifinals.

Kaikorai

Record: 35 (19 pts)

Many picked the side to be a real contender but hype got ahead of reality. It has some quality players but it also has plenty of young players, especially in the backline, and that is important in the premier competition. The team needs to start winning at Bishopscourt and get on a run of victories. That could happen when playing University at home tomorrow.

Tip: Got on a run in 2016 to win it all. Needs to do that again.

Green Island

Record: 44 (17 pts)

Started off with a great win over Southern but went off the rails for a while there. Got back on track and is playing some attractive stuff. Finn Strawbridge looks a tidy player at first fiveeighth while young forwards Woody Kirkwood and Josh Hayward are players of promise.

Tip: Will trouble every side but the top four may be out of reach.

AlhambraUnion

Record: 26 (13 pts)

The North Ground club has been hit from injuries right from the start of the season and has never played with a fullstrength team. Has lost some close ones and will always be competitive. Hooker Alex Frood has improved while Ben Webby at lock tries hard. Out the back Legin FelixHotham has looked solid at either halfback or midfield. Needs to turn narrow losses into big wins.

Tip: Probably too far for the four but has the potential to win a few games

ZingariRichmond

Record: 17 (5 pts)

Started off well with an upset win over Harbour but the side has lost its way since then.

Can string together some decent phases but makes too many mistakes at key times. Leaky defence which struggles to go the whole 80 minutes.

Forwards Tom Rowe and Matt McCormick give their all as does Ciaran Jansen. Backs are hit and miss and a tad green at times.

Has the makings to grab a win or two but needs to be more consistent.

Tip: Too far gone for top four but still plenty to play for.