Otago will look to use its speed merchants to make an impact at the national sevens tournament in Rotorua today, as it aims to keep up an impressive record.
The blue and golds were the only province to finish in the top eight for the past five years, coach Luke Herden said, and he hoped at the bare minimum to keep up that record this weekend.
Herden has packed his side with pace and said the side would be looking to move the ball around.
''We won't be playing a physical style. We will be looking to use our speed and play an expansive game. We want to get wide and stretch them and then make some holes for our players,'' he said.
''I think we've got a balanced team. Got some experience there and some guys who can come off the bench and make a difference and really add something to the game.''
Herden has lofty aims for his team, wanting to be right in the running tomorrow when the finals are played.
The likes of Gavin Stark, Fa'asiu Fuatai and Matt Faddes have some real speed while the team has the bonus of Tony Ensor returning.
Ensor picked up a knee injury at the regional tournament in Timaru last month and it was thought he would not be right for the national event.
But good work from physiotherapist Ash Stiven had managed to get the Otago fullback fit and ready to play.
''We've managed to get him right through a lot of hard work and it is good to have Tony available. He is a New Zealand contracted sevens player and brings some experience and confidence into the team.''
Eroni Sotutu drops out of the squad.
The team finished third at the regional tournament in Timaru last month, hampered by injuries to key players.
Faddes, Ensor and Josh Ioane will be the playmakers for the side while the likes of Michael Collins and Kori Rupene will play in the forwards.
With the weather expected to be hot, fitness will be important, as will teamwork.
The players had been working on individual programmes over the Christmas break and came together to start training again just after the new year.
The past week had been relatively light in training, working through moves and systems as the side gets ready for the tournament.
Otago was knocked out by Wellington at the quarterfinal stage last year. The side from the capital went on to win the event.
Herden said the draw for pool play was tough but he thought the timing of the games was ideal for his side.
Otago would face Auckland early, at 10.45am, and Herden said this was a good time to take the Aucklanders on as it was early and it would hit them with speed.
Manawatu was next and would be a tough challenge while the side would finish its first day against Mid Canterbury.
Stiven and Otago trainer Karl Bloxham will travel with the team.
