Match could be a blockbuster Otago Country

To face Southland Development

OTAGO Country ventures deep into enemy territory this weekend, with a blockbuster match predicted against Southland Development in Invercargill.

The last time Country were present in Southland it stole a victory off Southland Country in the dying minutes.

Otago Country’s season has plateaued since then with a lacklustre defeat to North Otago and a loss to Otago Development last weekend in Clinton.

Last weekend’s effort was a huge improvement with coaches and management left happy with where the team is at. With two matches remaining in the representative season, it must be time for the Country boys to chalk up another win.

The forward pack has a familiar look to it with props Ben Millar and Ethan Hippolite joining the loose forward trio of Max Pennell, Liam

Ben Millar, Josh Turnbull, Ethan Hippolite, Damian Wilson, Dean Sinnamon, Max Pennell, Liam Turnbull, Ben Scorgie, James Valentine (c), Thomas Johnson, Clayton Buchanan, Rube Peina, Ollie Stirling, Robin Fesilafai, Doug Smith, Dylan Mackenzie, Pricee Imlach, Lachie Gunson, Mark McKenzie, Conrad Williams, Jared Edwards, Rhys Harrold, Sylvester Reeves.

Turnbull, and Ben Scorgie.

These five have started every match this season and have given fantastic accounts of themselves.

Hooker Josh Turnbull gets his first start of the season after strong impact off the bench in two of the three matches.

Dean Sinnamon retains his spot in the second row, with Damian Wilson joining him in his first start of the season. Wilson has excelled off the bench in recent weeks and gets the opportunity to strut his stuff from the start.

James Valentine and Thomas Johnson combine in the halves once again; Valentine will wear the captain’s armband to start, with regular skipper Chase Owen unavailable this weekend.

Rube Peina is joined in the midfield by Ollie Stirling, who featured in Country’s opening win in Gore.

The impressive Doug Smith will start once again at fullback with Clayton Buchanan and Robin Fesilafai alongside him.

The bench boasts utility value and will provide plenty of fizz.

Players to keep an eye out for are prop Pricee Imlach, number eight Conrad Williams and utility back Rhys Harrold.

❛ Last weekend’s effort was a huge improvement