ODT Online rugby writer Jeff Cheshire asks five key questions ahead of Otago's ITM Cup campaign.
Can they iron out last year's issues?
Where to start with last season's problems? When they were at their worst they missed tackles, dropped balls, kicked aimlessly, took poor options, lacked ball retention, had an inconsistent set-piece and simply had too much of the same across the park. It was not like that all the time - they did show how well they could play in their wins. But it was often enough and there were four games - notably against Hawke's Bay and Northland - where each of those were huge issues. Given that they are all fundamental things that need to be done to win rugby games, they will obviously be of huge importance to Otago improving from last year.
Will the team offer more variety?
Probably the biggest issue on a consistent basis in 2014 was the lack of variety amongst the players. As individuals they (mostly) were tidy enough, but that was all they were. Aside from Aki Seiuli, and when he was brought on TJ Ioane, there was little go-forward provided up front. The forwards were a pack of workers, but the lack of spark and raw physicality prevented them from forcing the opposition defence on to the back foot. Likewise in the backs there was a lack of creativity. No one looked like breaking the game open and adding flair like you would get from a Malakai Fekitoa or Patrick Osborne sort of player. There was just not enough firepower and nothing that really threatened to disorganise the defence. Having a team of workers is fine, but you do need some sort of flair to go with it.
Who will step up?
For the past few years Otago have had a young team, even compared to other ITM Cup teams. While you would hardly call this year's group experienced, there are several players who have been around for a while and can be seen as players who could make an impact at this level. The Super Rugby players will obviously be important, with Liam Coltman, Tom Franklin, Joe Latta and James Lentjes all playing key roles at different times for the Highlanders.
You have a midfield who have now been there for a few seasons, with Tei Walden in particular looking sharp in recent times. Josh Renton was thrown in the deep end last year, but will be better for the experience, while Tony Ensor, Peter Breen, Charlie O'Connell, Jackson Hemopo, Jayden Spence, Craig Millar, Aki Seiuli and Sam Anderson-Heather have been on the scene a while now. There is enough experience there and these players need to be genuinely quality players at this level on a week in, week out basis.
How will the newcomers go?
There are some exciting newcomers to this year's Otago squad that plenty of fans will be eager to see. The Southern duo of Adam Knight and Mika Mafi are both strong ball-carriers and were key players in this year's club competition, with Knight winning the Player of the Year award. In the backs Sio Tomkinson, Fletcher Smith and Gavin Stark were all highly touted prospects at school and have since impressed in the Dunedin club competition. Jack Wilson has been around a while and could be a useful pick up, while Kaide Whiting, formerly of Tasman, will fight with Renton for what was last year a troublesome spot at halfback. Then there is Josh Dickson, who made a couple of appearances last year, but should play more of a prominent role in 2015, particularly if Hemopo is used as a flanker. On the whole there is plenty of talent amongst that lot and it will be of interest to see how they go at the next level.
Can they win?
There is no doubting winning the Championship is going to be tough this season. To do so you would have to go through both Hawkes Bay and Wellington, two teams of genuine quality that possess fire power to burn. But Otago could certainly be competitive. Their first-choice forward pack should be able to mix it with anyone's around the park. That has got to be encouraging. The backline possibly still lacks some firepower though and they have not yet convinced that they are capable of containing dangerous attacking teams on defence. They should be aiming for the top four at least though. Other than the obvious two favourites, Otago are as good as any of the other teams in their division and need to go out and show it.
