Roger Cotton has made a raft of changes to his Otago Country side to play North Otago Development in Wanaka this afternoon.
Four straight losses have forced Cotton's hand, and several bench players are getting a start today.
In the pack, Maniototo props Tim O'Neill and Charles Crutchley get an opportunity, with lock Brendan Sheath and flanker Pete O'Malley the other changes from last weekend.
Crutchley, the Central Otago player of the year, has had limited game time so far and will have a chance to show his worth in the tight.
In a revamped backline, Wakatipu halfback Steve Bruce takes over from Josh Botting, while Alexandra and Zingari-Richmond first five-eighth Mike Paulin gets a crack running the cutter in place of Lawrence's Stu Melville.
The Wyber brothers, Sam and Hayden, pair up in the midfield in place of Danny van der Voort and Bill Maiono, while Roxburgh's Bronson Tumai gets a run on the wing.
Van der Voort has been arguably Country's best back this season, so the Wybers' inclusion is an interesting change.
Former All Black and Maniototo coach Andrew Hore has been bracketed on the bench with Heriot's Stu Young, Hore's availability is subject to his ITM Cup commitments with Southland.
The North Otago Development squad features no fewer than five players from the successful St Kevin's College First XV, including dynamic loose forward Filipo Veamatahau and classy halfback Brodie Flannery.
Country v Nth Otago Dev
Wanaka, today, 2.30pm
Otago Country: Ben Purvis, Will Young, Hayden Wyber, Sam Wyber, Bronson Tumai, Mike Paulin, Steve Bruce, Will Hurst (captain), Blair van der Voort, Pete O'Malley, Isaac Hay, Brendan Sheath, Charles Crutchley, Dylan McKenzie, Tim O'Neill. Reserves: Andrew Hore/Stu Young, Nick Gee, Steve Green, Mala Saimoni, Josh Botting, Danny van der Voort, Will Scorgie.
North Otago Development: Chris Talanoa (captain), Matthew Vocea, Diego Biro, Loni Fisiihoi, Siosuia Ngalo, Kayne Middleton, Brodie Flannery, Matt Mullins, Wade Hodgen, Filipo Veamatahau, Callum Lines, Jared Whitburn, Sione Palaa, Unga Kefu, Sana Nahuto. Reserves: Andy Matoto, Meli Kolinisau, Jacob Coughlan, Inoke Naufahu, Seti Aholelei, Chris Perry, Harry Frost.
