Scott relishing his role
MITCHELL Scott has played for one of the best teams this country has ever produced.
The pity is noone knew it at the time — not even the players.
Scott (27), who will line up on the right wing for Otago this afternoon as it takes on Southland in Invercargill, played for the New Zealand Colts team in 2011 which won the world junior championships in Italy.
From that team, 13 of the starting 15 went on to play international rugby.
The side included the likes of Beauden Barrett, Lima Sopoaga, Brodie Retallick and Sam Cane.
Mitchell, who was on the wing, has gone on to have a solid professional career without scaling the heights of his former teammates.
Scott said at the time the players just went out and played.
‘‘It was a pretty handy team. But I remember just before we left they said we’d be the first team to leave these shores who will not win the title,’’ he said.
‘‘When you are young and that you don’t really make anything out of that.’’
Bay of Plenty prop Solomona Sakalia is the other player from the team who has not played international rugby.
Not getting on the international stage is hardly concerning Scott. Playing rugby professionally is something he thoroughly enjoys.
‘‘It is the best job in the world. Where else can you come and train with your mates and have a good time? I think it takes a while to learn that. When you are younger you don’t realise that.’’
Scott played five years for Tasman and, following one season with the Force in Perth, came to Dunedin to play with younger brother Willis.
Willis is now back in his home town of Nelson and is playing for Buller as a loan player this season, as a lock.
Scott had a slow start to the season after he tore his hamstring while chasing a kick in the game of three halves fixture early last month but got fully back on the field last week as Otago beat Northland in a close one.
‘‘It’s a lot of fun down here and everyone gets on. Just good mates, really. I have got a supportive club [Taieri] behind me.’’
Scott’s partner is Mikayla Latta, daughter of former Otago captain David Latta, so Scott, who works for Latta, a Balclutha builder, in the offseason, is fully aware of Otago’s history and the rivalry against Southland.
That duel continues today as Otago heads south to take on Southland for the Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy.
Otago holds the trophy but in truth the trophy fades into the background with vital Mitre 10 Cup points at stake.
Southland has made changes to its side and Tayler Adams starts at first fiveeighth for the first time this season.
James Wilson moves out one while former South Otago High School pupil Rory van Vugt is on the left wing.
In the forward pack, Tony Lamborn returns to the blindside with Wade McRae out with a neck injury.
Hawke’s Bay and Waikato have pushed out a tad in the Championship section so Otago needs to win to keep in touch.
Southland, having lost 15 in a row, will take a win from anywhere.
Fine weather is forecast for Invercargill.