Nth Otago’s plan: ‘We’re just going to start throwing the ball around’

Heartland Rugby

NORTH Otago things today.

It will look to have some fun, throw the ball around.

Of course, winning and playing well will be high on the priority list in Hinds against Mid Canterbury, too. But the side will look to enjoy itself first and foremost, hoping the rest will follow.

It is coming off a 247 loss to South Canterbury last weekend, when a lack of ball

is simplifying

North Otago: Josh Phipps, Antonio Misiloi, Matthew Vocea, Sam Tatupu, Toni Taufa, Jake Matthews, Tarn Crow, Junior Fakatoufifita, Marcus Balchin, Cameron Rowland, Josh Hayward, Epineri Logavatu, Samuela Babiau, Jake Greenslade, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Jack Kelly, Bailey Templeton, Oliver Kinzett, Blake Welsh, Jacob Day, Ben Paton, Tyler Burgess.

Mid Canterbury: Inoke Tonga, Raitube Vaurakuta, Matthew Holmes, Paovale Sofai, Tait Chisman, Nathan McCloy, Tyler Blackburn, Seta Koroitana, Harry Ashworth, Lote Nasiga, Iromi Dawai, Alipeti Polutele, Adam Williamson, Callum Burrell, Hamish Finnie. Reserves: Evan Blyth, Hamish Allen. Lloyd Stephens, Ashton McArthur, Harvey Blyth, Cam Butler, Lepani Seitava.

security let it down.

The young side had

learnt

plenty, though, and hoped to continue doing that as the bigger picture is defending the Meads Cup when the full Heartland Championship returns next year.

If North Otago could retain the ball and execute its plan as closely as possible, that would be great ‘‘but we’re just going to go out and have fun, to be honest,’’ head coach Jason Forrest said.

‘‘We’re just going to throwing the ball around.

‘‘There’s nothing on the line in regards to trophies. It’s just about giving the boys an under

start standing of the game and having fun and expressing themselves.’’

Part of that was about not overwhelming the side’s younger players.

Many were still getting a handle on what was required at this level and Forrest felt simplifying things may be beneficial.

‘‘We had a lot [of training] around shape and systems and we thought let’s relax a bit of that this year,’’ he said.

‘‘We probably put a bit much in front of them to start with.

‘‘It’s just about keeping it basic and if you have fun, you play better.’’

He did not know too much about Mid Canterbury.

It had beaten Buller in Hanmer last week and Forrest had watched film of the game.

Forrest said it was a good team and had a few Fijian players who were hard to stop.

The game would be played in front of a limited crowd — 50 tickets were available via the Mid Canterbury union.

Kickoff is at 2.30pm.