Otago all fired up for shield
OTAGO WILL be confident of mounting a genuine challenge for the Ranfurly Shield this week after sweeping aside North Harbour in Dunedin yesterday.
Their quest for promotion began soundly as superior composure and attacking spark proved too much for Harbour to handle.
In what was an advertisement for afternoon rugby between two second-tier Championship teams, Otago couldn’t have asked for much more from a season-opener.
One further try would have given them a valuable bonus point but that near miss wasn’t through a lack of endeavour.
The southerners scored three tries to two but went close on three other occasions and were on top throughout the contest. They will now look forward to Saturday’s Ranfurly Shield challenge in Pukekohe after Counties Manukau played out a comparatively dour 9- 9 draw in New Plymouth on Thursday night.
As they set out to change perceptions and finally turn the corner after a horror recent run, Harbour will be desperately disappointed not to claim a bonus point. A review of their kicking tactics is needed while protection and presentation of possession must also improve. Otago: (Fa’asiu Fuatai 2, James Lentjes, tries, Hayden Parker 3 pen, 2 con). North Harbour: (Tevita Li, James Parsons tries, Daniel Halangahu 2 con). Ht: 20-14.
Tony Brown would have been smiling in the coaching box after his men perfectly executed a backline set move. Wing Fa’asiu Fuatai was the beneficiary for the first of his brace of tries but the intricate switch opened up far too much space through the Harbour forward pack.
Otago’s grunt men must take credit for their 20-14 halftime lead. Trent Renata was solid at fullback, Highlanders lock Tom Franklin proved a powerhouse at the lineout and on defence but debut openside flanker James Lentjes was the standout – pilfering turnovers and being a constant threat at the breakdown. His presence caused havoc for Harbour captain Bryn Hall, who struggled to clear times.
That Lentjes delivered the killer blow – his first NPC try – with 10 minutes remaining was just reward for his relentless work ethic.
Harbour’s skill set wasn’t as poor as previous campaigns, but they couldn’t retain possession long enough to build consistent pressure.
While their set-piece was near faultless – with James Parsons and Hayden Triggs connecting particularly well at the lineout – they were let down by some aimless kicking. Too many times first five-eighth Daniel Halangahu was guilty of hoofing the ball downfield with no real hope of it being contested or retrieved.
Harbour needed a spark – and Tevita Li stepped up. First he pushed Lentjes out in the corner to save a certain try and then went on a typically eye-catching burst to beat three defenders on his way to the line. The New Zealand under20s star and Blues wing will need to be denied space this season or he will run amok.
The visitors appeared on the ropes as Otago’s backline produced some slick ball movement but they struck through Parsons from a lineout drive just before the break. But Otago regained control to hold Harbour scoreless in the second spell.
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