Been to Palmerston North.
Back in Dunedin.
Experienced loose forward Slade McDowall will be back in Otago colours today.
It has been four years since he last ran out for his province.
The 27-year-old has not been inactive during his absence. Anything but.
He had a playing stint with the New England Free Jacks in Major League Rugby. They are based in the Greater Boston area.
He has also spent the last three New Zealand winters in Palmerston North with the Manawatū Turbos.
But he is back living in Dunedin, and the Kaikorai flanker has been in marvellous form in the club competition and the inaugural Tuppy Diack Shield.
He has certainly earned another run for the blue and gold, but Kaikorai team-mate Lucas Casey has been blocking his return.
Casey has had a breakthrough campaign and has been picked up by the Highlanders.
While Casey might be the first-choice No 7 in Otago, that jersey at Kaikorai belongs to McDowall, who is known for having a huge engine and the heart to match.
He never stops running, he never stops working and he is not planning on letting Otago down against Auckland at Auckland Grammar today.
"Yeah, it’s an important game," McDowall said.
"There are a few young fellas getting a crack, a few debuts, so that’s awesome to see.
"And I’ll just take the opportunity as it comes, go out there and have a crack."
Otago have decided to freshen up a few players, such as Casey, who are a little banged up and in need of a break.
But there is still plenty riding on the match.
The Lin Colling Trophy is on the line, and a win could give Otago pole position for the playoffs.
McDowall, who played 41 games for Otago from 2017 to 2021, is looking forward to catching up with former Otago halfback James Arscott, who is playing for Auckland this year.
The two played together at Otago Boys’ High School and for Otago.
Their thumbs have been getting a workout this week.
"Hah, yeah. I was messaging him earlier in the week. He’s a good mate, so it’s a bit of banter and it’ll be good to see him out there."
McDowall, who works as a sales representative, said it had been enjoyable watching Otago play this season.
"The boys have been putting in some good performances, and to get the shield locked away for the summer is a pretty tough thing to do, so it’s awesome to see."
NPC
Auckland, 2.05pm
Otago: Sam Gilbert (captain), Sam Nemec-Vial, Josh Whaanga, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Jae Broomfield, Cameron Millar, Nathan Hastie, Christian Lio-Willie, Slade McDowall, Harry Taylor, Oliver Haig, Will Tucker, Rohan Wingham, Liam Coltman, Benjamin Lopas. Reserves: A-One Lolofie, Abraham Pole, Moana Takataka, Josh Tengblad, Joseva Tamani, Dylan Pledger, Riley Lucas, Charlie Powell.
Auckland: Cohen Norrie, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Xavi Taele, Xavier Tito-Harris, Rico Simpson, James Arscott, Sam Hainsworth-Fa’aofo, Anton Segner (captain), Che Clark, Tai Cribb, Josh Beehre, Angus Ta’avao, Mills Sanerivi, Josh Fusitu’a. Reserves: Soane Vikena, Oscar Cowley-Andrea, Hamdamn Tuipulotu, Ola Tauelangi, Ofa Topeni, Taufa Funaki, AJ Lam, Codemeru Vai.
