Some will no doubt be quick to point out Otago is contesting the championship final, effectively a second tier within the competition. By beating North Harbour tonight, Otago will earn automatic promotion to the premiership in 2017.
But success in any form needs to be celebrated, as should the work of Otago coach Cory Brown in developing local players and employing an entertaining style of rugby which has enabled the team to get this far.
The occasion will be a far cry from when Otago last hosted a national provincial final in 1998, beating Waikato 49-20 at Carisbrook. Sky Television this week featured replays of past NPC finals. On Monday, the 1998 Otago v Waikato clash screened, bringing back fond memories of some of the glory days of NPC and Otago rugby. That day fans packed out Carisbrook on a balmy Sunday afternoon as blue and gold flags fluttered above the terrace crowd. Dunedin embraced the occasion and rebranded itself rugby city for the weekend.
The rugby landscape has changed significantly. Super rugby is now the main provincial — or regional — focus and the national championship is seen as its feeder competition. The Highlanders, on the back of a Super rugby title in 2015, are the biggest show in town and the once rabid provincial pride for Otago is not as it was.
Much of that is a result of the New Zealand Rugby Union’s constant tinkering with the game. Expanding Super rugby and All Black test schedules have reduced the NPC’s playing window. In 2011, the 14-team competition was divided into two tiers which met with mixed success and calls to return to a single division.
Despite the competition’s flaw, what must be recognised and celebrated tonight is the significant progress Otago rugby has made in recent seasons.
Fans will recall in 2012 the ORFU, weighed down by a $2.35 million debt and a forecast loss of $750,000, was poised to be placed in liquidation. The union managed to stay afloat because of a rescue package, which involved writing off debt of $1.68 million, and community support.
Otago rugby has made some strides since those dark days, despite recording a financial loss last season. Since 2012 the ORFU has made a conscious decision to live within its means, reduce staff, stop contracting players on overinflated salaries and, instead, secure and develop local talent.
Most of the current Otago team can be spotted plying their trade in club rugby on Dunedin winter Saturday afternoons. Some players have flown the coop in search of healthier contracts, but the ORFU has rightly remained firm on its belt-tightened policy.
A positive has been the development of Otago players and their ability to now make an impact at Super rugby level. Tom Franklin, Matt Faddes, Tei Walden, James Lentjes, Aki Seiuli and Fletcher Smith are just some who have represented the Highlanders on the back of outstanding performances for Otago.
Michael Collins has reinvented himself as a more than capable fullback and deservedly earned a contract with the Blues for next season.
Tonight’s championship final against North Harbour is an opportunity to celebrate performance, persistence and the continued development of Otago rugby. Do not expect Forsyth Barr Stadium to be close to a sell-out. A crowd of about 10,000 would be a bonus for the ORFU.
But it is the hard work behind the scenes which will ultimately pay long-term dividends for both Otago and the Highlanders. It could start tonight with a place back in the top echelon for next season.
