Encouraging preseason showing from Otago Spirit
THE Otago Spirit has shown it is capable of scoring plenty of tries this year.
It crossed the line seven times against the threetime Farah Palmer Cup Premiership defending champion Canterbury in its preseason match in Timaru on Saturday.
That was not quite enough to claim victory, Canterbury emerging a 5647 winner in a highscoring affair.
But it was a performance that pleased Otago coach Scott Manson ahead of its Farah Palmer Cup opener against Hawke’s Bay on Sunday.
The game was played over three 30minute thirds — the Spirit effectively playing A, B and C lineups across each.
It had led until the final third, when Canterbury scored 25 points against the younger Otago players.
‘‘Some of the attack was the best I’ve seen us play,’’ Manson said.
‘‘To do that in a preseason game was really good.
‘‘Obviously there are a few things to iron out before going into the actual NPC, but for a preseason hitout it was really good.’’
The Spirit made a fantastic start, scoring twice in the first three minutes to lead 140 early.
Manson said that gave the side confidence it could compete with the Premiership champion, as it was a step up after playing in the championship in recent years.
It held that lead at 2816 at the end of the first break and still led 3531 at the end of the second third.
The side primarily scored around the edges of the park, although also snaffled two intercepts, a result of its defensive pressure.
First fiveeighth Rosie Kelly and midfield duo Kilisitina Moata’ane and Amy du Plessis had been their usual classy selves.
Meanwhile Teilah Ferguson had also impressed, while in the forwards Morgan Henderson, Kate Smith and Leah Miles all had strong showings.
Despite that there were still areas to work on, especially up front.
‘‘One is definitely set piece,’’ Manson said.
‘‘I think there’s a few easy fixes with our lineout. Our lineout didn’t go as well as it should’ve.
‘‘We’ve still got quite a bit of work to do with our scrum.
‘‘We’ll work on that on Tuesday night, do a review [tonight] and look at next steps, just get a bit more punch and hit on that scrum, take space away from the opposition.
‘‘Especially going into Hawkes’ Bay who are quite large compared to us.’’
There were fresh injuries in the side, and it was still awaiting the results of a scan on a shoulder injury to hooker and captain Tegan Hollows.