Otago has rearranged its
backline and made a couple of changes in the forward pack for
its final game of the season against Counties-Manukau at
Carisbrook tomorrow.
With Otago 10th in the Air New Zealand Cup and
Counties-Manukau last, there is nothing left to play for but
pride.
Charlie Hore moves from second five-eighth to fullback to
replace All Black Ben Smith, while Ryan Shortland and Brett
Mather are back into the side on the left wing and centre
respectively, after recovering from injuries which kept them
sidelined last week.
Aaron Bancroft moves in a place to second five-eighth, while
Glenn Dickson will start in the No 10 jersey, allaying
concerns after he received a knock to an eye last week in the
win against Tasman.
In the forward pack, Eben Joubert comes on to the blindside
flank for All Black Adam Thomson, and Seko Kalou makes his
first start for the year as a replacement for Tom Donnelly,
who is away on national duty.
Lock Hoani Matenga pulled a hamstring in the win last week
and is unable to play tomorrow.
Otago coach Steve Martin said Hore was the logical choice to
go to the back.
"He's played there for us before and is a very experienced
player and knows his way around back there," Martin said.
"Ben has really been a revelation back there with the way he
has played. Losing him is a big blow as he is a genuine class
player."
Otago will have to look to the likes of Shortland and fellow
winger Karne Hesketh to make breaks against a dangerous
Counties-Manukau side.
Martin said Otago still had plenty to play for.
The players wanted to end the season on a high, and there
were contracts up for grabs.
He said no-one would be taking Counties-Manukau lightly.
"They have been trouble for most sides, especially in those
initial periods. They have many good ball-runners who are not
afraid to have a go from a long way out.
"They have nothing to lose and will have a real crack at us."
Counties-Manukau has won just two games all season but the
has not died wondering.
The visiting team has some exciting backs, especially
fullback Tim Nanai-Williams, who has the ability to break the
line.
Otago v Counties-Manukau
Carisbrook, tomorrow, 5.30pm
Otago: Charlie Hore, Karne Hesketh, Brett Mather, Aaron
Bancroft, Ryan Shortland, Glenn Dickson, Sean Romans, Paul
Grant, Alando Soakai (captain), Eben Joubert, Seko Kalou,
Hayden Triggs, Kees Meeuws, Peter Mirrielees, Ben Nolan.
Reserves: Jason Macdonald, Sam Hibbard, Charlie
O'Connell, Steven Setephano, James Kenny, Michael Witt,
Andrew Parata.
Counties-Manukau: Tim Nanai-Williams, Ahsee Tuala,
Siale Piutau, Dean Cummins, Sherwin Stowers, Tasesa Lavea
(captain), Samisoni Fisilau, Waka Setitaia, DJ Forbes, Fritz
Lee, Rees Logan, Alepini Olosoni, Tuaefe Palelei, Ilaisa
Maasi, Simon Lemalu.
Reserves: Matt Holloway, Kojak Faioso, Jamie Chipman,
Ryoto Asano, Notise Tauafao, Josh Hall, David Raikuna.
