Otago coach Cory Brown is happy and that is what counts.
The Otago Sassenachs defeated Mid Canterbury 41-15 at the University Oval yesterday.
The home side shone in patches but it was also clear the team was having its first run together. A raft of changes in the second spell resulted in the game losing some shape.
''I was happy with the way the boys stuck to it,'' Brown said.
''It was a bit scrappy, but for a group of guys who have just come together on Sunday they did really well.
''When you have a large squad, and you are trying to look at everybody, it can get a bit messy.
''Defensively, we were a little bit off but we haven't done a lot of work on that.''
Some sloppiness aside, some of the key players really impressed.
Fullback Tony Ensor carried a minor heel complaint into the game and was replaced after 18 minutes as a precaution.
But he had a hand in the game's first try.
Promising winger Matt Jones, who had a cracking game on attack, fielded a cross kick from Mid Canterbury first five-eighth Ewan Scott and, under considerable duress, off-loaded to Ensor.
Ensor got on the outside of his marker and dashed up field and then unselfishly passed the ball back into Lachie Moore to dot down.
Experienced Alhambra-Union first five-eighth Peter Breen was another to stand out.
He has not had much club rugby this season but showed his class.
His passing game created time and space for those outside him.
Lock Josh Dickson is still finding his feet after a long lay-off but grabbed two lineout steals in his 20 minutes of game time, and Pirates flanker Josh Clark had a very solid game.
The visiting side scored first through a penalty in the opening minute but spent precious little time in the Sassenachs' half.
The Sassenachs' second try came from a couple of good long passes which created space for Jones, who sprinted down the right wing before turning the ball back into Ensor.
Moore grabbed an intercept try right on halftime to give the Sassenachs a 22-3 lead at the break.
Nasi Manu's younger brother, Nela Manu, replaced Matthew Vaai at halftime.
He is not as robust as his brother but the No 8 carried the ball well.
With the penalty count mounting against Mid Canterbury, it was only a matter of time before the yellow card came out.
It was Viliame Finau who had to take a seat for 10 minutes.
The Sassenachs scored immediately when openside Theo Commissaris crashed over following a lineout drive, and replacement fullback Noah Cooper scored again following a break from the impressive Jones.
The lead had blown out to 31 points but Mid Canterbury trimmed the margin with two breakout tries to Andy Hamilton and Sam Watt.
The Sassenachs had the final say when Christian Walker got over following some good lead-up work.
Sassenachs v Mid Canty
The scores
Otago Sassenachs 41
Lachie Moore 2, Tony Ensor, Theo Commissaris, Noah Cooper, Christian Walker tries; Peter Breen 4 con, pen)
Mid Canterbury 15
Andy Hamilton, Sam Watt tries; Ewan Scott con, pen. Halftime: 22-3.
Three to watch
STAR PERFORMER
Kaikorai winger Matt Jones had an impressive game on attack.
He helped create the first try with some wonderful skills, hauling in a cross kick and instinctively shovelling the ball out to Tony Ensor.
Not long after that he galloped down the right wing and passed inside for Ensor to score.
The two really did combine marvelously.
SURPRISE PACKAGE
Anyone who watches Pirates play regularly will not be surprised Josh Clark had a strong game.
The experienced loose forward was solid in the lineout, made plenty of tackles and good yards when he carried the ball.
ON THE WAY BACK
University A lock Josh Dickson has been sidelined for almost all of the club season with a sternum injury.
But he claimed two lineout steals in 20 minutes yesterday and is expected to get more game time in the club semifinals this weekend.
