Donnelly satisfied with Otago’s first hitout of season
THERE was enough to like as far as first hitouts go.
Otago will come up against far stronger opponents than the Southland outfit which took the field in Waikouaiti yesterday, although both sides were missing key players.
But for the most part, the host dominated in a 3414 preseason win.
Aside from an even start and a 10minute period of Southland dominance late in the second half, Otago controlled proceedings.
Defensively it was solid, absorbing the pressure Southland was able to apply, although too often mistakes prevented the visitors from building any phases.
Meanwhile it showed versatility on attack and crossed for six tries.
It was a display that pleased Otago coach Tom Donnelly.
‘‘I’m pretty happy with the way things went,’’ he said.
‘‘Beautiful day... we got through a bit of work which was good.
‘‘We were able to give guys a run, get a few combinations and get a look at some guys at a different level rather than just club rugby.’’
Winger Freedom Vahaakolo scored two tries and showed few signs of the injury which ended his Highlanders season.
He came into the line at a nice angle off halfback Kayne Hammington to run away for Otago’s first try.
Southland responded after Otago conceded two penalties, which led to Southland hooker Talemaitoga Tuapati crashing over from a lineout drive.
It was the last time the Otago defence was breached for a long while, although Southland No 8 Arese Poliko made two strong runs.
Otago brought physicality and attacked the ball at the breakdown to force mistakes and win penalties.
There was plenty to like about that defensive effort, although Donnelly acknowledged it was aided by the soft ground.
Indeed it was some handy breakdown work from openside flanker Slade McDowall which won Otago the penalty for Ricky Jackson to score off a lineout drive of its own.
Centre Giovanni Leituala then made it 177 as he snaffled the ball away in a tackle and ran 35m, before grubbering ahead and recollecting to score a superb solo try.
Vahaakolo added his second right after halftime. He was put over in the corner after replacement fullback Matt Faddes drew two players and delivered a classy offload with his first touch back in an Otago jersey.
Otago was rarely forced into its own half for the next 20 minutes and added another lineout drive try via replacement hooker Henry Bell.
That took it to 277, at which point Southland began stringing phases together and forced Otago into conceding penalties.
It was its best period and in the end the pressure told as 19yearold halfback Josh Murrell took an opportunity to snipe over.
Sam Fischli crossed late for Otago’s final try.
Otago now faces Canterbury in Timaru on Thursday and will have its Maori All Blacks back. It plays Southland at Forsyth Barr Stadium on August 7 in its NPC opener.