Nickname: Blue and Golds
2020 finish: Second in Championship (losing semifinalists)
Coach: Tom Donnelly
Captain: James Lentjes
GAINS: Jermaine Ainsley (Australia), Matt Faddes (Ireland), Sam Gilbert (Canterbury), James Lentjes (back from injury), Ray Nu’u (Southland)
LOSSES: Michael Collins (Wales), Jamie Mackintosh (retired), Nasi Manu, Jack Regan (Ireland), Matt Whaanga (Southland)
GO-TO PLAYER: Jona Nareki Electric on the wing and a genuine gamebreaker. With space, few can contain Nareki, but even when he seemingly has no room he is likely to make something happen. He has a nose for the tryline (though strangely he only crossed for one in 2020), and has shown his ability to cause havoc at the next level. Nareki has a useful left boot too and is solid defensively.
BREAKTHROUGH PLAYER: Fabian Holland Breaking into the starting team may be challenging with so many established players. However, a spot in the locks is open with Regan’s departure. Standing at over 2m and just 18 years old, Holland is a lock of huge potential. He arrived in New Zealand from the Netherlands at the start of 2019 and has made a rapid rise. Having finished at Christchurch Boys’ High School last year, Holland has moved south and has broken into the New Zealand Under 20 squad.
OUR PREDICTION: First in Championship (winners) This is the year for Otago to get it done. There is talent to burn and a reasonable amount of carryover from last year. Keeping the backline in check will be tough for even the Premiership teams, and there will be no shortage of motivation with an increasingly expectant fan base.