In a repeat of last season's match, Maniototo and Lawrence
will contest the final of the Otago Country competition
today.
Maniototo earned the right to host the final in Ranfurly
after finishing on more points than Lawrence in its pool.
The home side cemented a spot in the final after beating
Arrowtown 25-13 in its semifinal at Gimmerburn last weekend,
and will look to extend an unbeaten run stretching back to
last season's final.
When asked how Maniototo would look to play the game, coach
Ryan Dowling was comfortable with how his team had played so
far, and said it would continue the same pattern.
"We won't change anything, really, and keep chugging away.
They can't play if they don't have the ball."
Dowling said Sam Young would be a key player for Lawrence and
his side would be keeping a close eye on the former Taranaki
first five-eighth. He was also wary of young winger Sam
Wyber, who has scored 18 tries this season.
"We'll just try and stop the ball getting out there," Dowling
said, when asked about handling the youngster.
Maniototo will field much the same side it has all season,
with Charlie Hore and the loose trio being key components for
the match.
Lawrence, after overcoming Clutha Valley 23-15 in its
semifinal, will also be looking to cap off a successful
season by retaining its countrywide title from last season,
which it won 38-12 against Maniototo.
Coach Roger Cotton was confident his side could do the job,
even with the big ask of travelling to Ranfurly.
He considered Maniototo a tough side and acknowledged its
unbeaten record, but believed Lawrence could stop the run.
Lawrence has had a couple of blips this season, including a
34-5 thumping by Clutha.
"We've had a few move on and go to greener pastures but we'll
certainly come with a plan and see how we go," Cotton said.
He believed Young and other veteran players would be key
players in the match, specifically the front row and captain
Dave Kenny.
There was no one player Cotton believed should be targeted
from the opposition. He said if each of his players looked
after his opposite on defence, Lawrence could win the game.
• Countrywide final
Maniototo v Lawrence
- Ranfurly, today, 2.45pm
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.