Rugby: Winning ways needed on and off field

The honeymoon is over, and now it is all about the scoreboard.

Otago coach Phil Mooney has made all the right moves off the field since he arrived in town in late January.

He appointed Otago stalwart David Latta, the man everyone thought would get the top job, as his assistant coach.

He got around the clubs, helping out when wanted, and staged Otago trainings at various club grounds.

The ex-Reds coach then held a camp in the heartland and had players working out on farms.

Backed with a new-look board, Mooney seems to have brought a positive vibe to Otago that has been somewhat lacking in recent years.

So off the field, things have undoubtedly improved.

But sport is ultimately about results and what happens on the paddock, and so this, the most critical of seasons, is about getting more wins than losses.

That starts today, with a match against Counties-Manukau in Pukekohe.

Counties-Manukau has struggled in recent seasons but is a difficult first-up opponent for Otago.

Traditionally, the South Auckland side is quick out of the blocks, and it upset Auckland a couple of years ago in the first match of the season.

The Steelers have some dangerous outside backs, who will be ready to pounce if opportunities come along.

For Otago to succeed today, it must play sensible rugby, cut down the mistakes and then take anything that comes up on offer.

The side had two comfortable wins in pre-season but little can be taken from those games.

Mooney said it was imperative Otago did not give Counties-Manukau much time and space as there were some dangerous runners on the outside.

"We just have to make sure of our tackles and concentrate on doing those little things right," Mooney said.

"Defence is obviously a big thing for us and we need to make sure we don't miss any one on one tackles."

With the new interpretations making it more sense to use the ball, Mooney said the onus was to be accurate on attack and not kick the ball away aimlessly.

Any kick was only as good as the chase.

Just over the horizon is the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Southland next Saturday, but Mooney said there had been little talk about that game.

He talked earlier this week of fronting up, and that is exactly what Otago needs to do this afternoon.

Fullback Chris Small needs to position himself well at the back and the side has to make the most of the skills of midfield pairing Ben Smith and Josh Tatupu.

Counties-Manukau does not have tall locks, so Otago will be looking to put pressure on its opponent's throw-ins.

Despite popular perception, there are no easy games in the levelled-out national championship.

Counties-Manukau will ride on the emotion of having Tana Umaga making his first start, and being in front of home fans.

Otago needs to start well in this competition, and that means a win this afternoon.

Otago v Counties-Manukau
Pukekohe, today, 4.30pm
Referee: Vinny Munro (Canterbury)TAB odds: Otago $1.65, Counties-Manukau $2.15

Otago: Chris Small, Ryan Shortland, Ben Smith, Josh Tatupu, Fetu'u Vainikolo, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Paul Grant, Alando Soakai (captain), Adam Thomson, Seko Kalou, Hayden Triggs, Sam Hibbard, Peter Mirrielees, Kees Meeuws.
Reserves: Liam Coltman, Blair Young, Hoani Matenga, Eben Joubert, Johnny Legg, Andrew Parata, Joe Hill.

Counties-Manukau: Tim Nanai Williams, Ahsee Tuala, Siale Piutau, Tana Umaga, Sherwin Stowers, Dean Cummins, August Pulu, Viliame Fihaki, Pepa Koloamatangi, Fritz Lee, Jamie Chipman (captain), Taiasina Tuifua, Jono Owen, Grant Henson, Simon Lemalu.
Reserves: Mark Price, Graham Dewes, Ronald Raaymakers, Jamie Gilbert-Clarke, Samisoni Fisilau, Baden Kerr, Reynold Lee-Lo.