A solid mid- table finish beckons for Otago.
Otago have suffered some notable personnel losses this season but they are again aiming high says BRENT EDWARDS.
The Big Picture
Otago have embraced the running game in the past two years under coaches Tony Brown and Phil Young and that is unlikely to change as they try once again to gain promotion to the Premiership. Forsyth Barr Stadium is made for attacking rugby, Brown and Young quickly recognised that and Otago have seldom died wondering. The highlight last year was undoubtedly beating Waikato to win the Ranfurly Shield for the first time in 56 years. But they lost it to their nemesis, Hawkes Bay, 19- 20, nine days later. They suffered another agonising loss to the Bay, 24- 29, in the semifinal after qualifying second behind Tasman in the round- robin.
Hayden Parker scored 187 points for Otago last year with his pin- point goalkicking, almost half his team’s points. He also directed play well and, with Fumiaki Tanaka gone, he will team up with New Zealand Under 20 halfback Josh Renton. With Tom Donnelly, Paul Grant and Buxton Popoali’i gone, Liam Coltman is now the most experienced forward and Parker the most experienced back, an indication of the youthfulness of the squad. The question mark is whether there will be enough grunt in the tight five against the leading teams although there are quality loose forwards in Lee Allan, Hugh Blake and TJ Ioane. Brown has developed into an excellent head coach in the past two years and he and ‘ Hard Yards’ Young complement each other well. Otago have a shield challenge against CountiesManukau in their second game but they need to be firing at the end of the season if they are to have a successful campaign.
Rising St ar
Second five- eighth Michael Collins has played 14 games in the midfield in the past two seasons but Young predicts a strong campaign for him. “His chances have been a bit limited in the past two years and this is going to be a big season for him. He has a really good read and understanding of the game and he has worked hard on his defence. He makes sound decisions and he is also displaying good leadership qualities.”
Old Dog
Lock Tom Franklin and hooker Liam Coltman. At just 24, Franklin is probably too young to be classed as an old dog but he has been one of the rocks of the team in the past two years and has displayed a maturity beyond his years. “He’s reaping the benefits of his Super 15 rugby experience with the Highlanders,” Young says. “We’ll be looking to him for leadership and experience.”
Coltman has played 41 games for Otago and was in the All Blacks’ training squad earlier this year. “Liam’s now an experienced professional player and he has everything to play for,” Young said. “He’ll be looking for a strong ITM Cup to enhance his prospects at a higher level after some disappointments towards the end of the Super 15.”
Vision Statement Success for us is to work hard on our skill set and the outcome will take care of itself. We’ve created a good environment since the Otago union’s financial troubles two years ago. We’re a pretty happy family and the guys play for each other. We want to make the playoffs and the ultimate goal is to get into the Premiership. I think we’re just about ready for it. OTAGO coach Phil Young
New Arrivals
The major gain is utility back Trent Renata, who scored 444 points in 66 games for Waikato and was part of the Highlanders this season. He is likely to play at fullback. There have been some major losses including last year’s captain and No 8 Paul Grant ( England), loose forward Gareth Evans ( Hawke’s Bay), halfback Fumiaki Tanaka ( who has returned to Japan) and veteran lock Donnelly ( Montpellier in France). And the often brilliant winger Buxton Popoali’s career has been cut short by a serious heart condition. Another loss is prop Craig Millar who suffered a seasonending shoulder injury while playing for the Highlanders.