Luke Herden. Photo by Michael Thomas / Action Press Time to dance with the big boys. North Otago are embracing the challenge when they take on Otago for the Ranfurly Shield in Dunedin tonight. Old Golds coach Luke Herden, who led the side to the Lochore Cup in the Heartland Championship last year, is excited to see what they can do. Otago urged to show proud neighbours respect ‘‘The whole team and community is looking forward to it,’’ Herden said. ‘‘It’s just an exciting opportunity for the boys to showcase their talents against one of the big boys of New Zealand rugby. ‘‘We know what we want to do and I think we’ve given ourselves a good opportunity based on our build up to ... put a performance out there that we’re proud of.’’ The Old Golds have been training for about two months and benefited from limited club rugby in recent weeks. ‘‘We’ve got a squad that’s similar to last year. We’ve just got the hard workers, a little bit of flair and hopefully we’re connected and aligned and put on a good performance.’’ Herden has named a strong loose forward trio in Mitch Morton — who was a standout in 2025 — Savenaca Rabaka and veteran Mat Duff, who returns after a year off. ‘‘You know what you’re going to get with Duffy,’’ Herden said. ‘‘He’s experienced and he tackles all day, so he’s going to be an asset for us. ‘‘Him, and a number of other players, will be stepping up in that experience side of things just to provide that guidance when there’s times in the game where we need momentum shifts or we need to just play a bit smarter.’’ Another familiar face returns in former North Otago captain Sam Sturgess, who is on loan from South Canterbury, where he now lives, after several hookers were ruled out. ‘‘Good to have him coming on at the back end of the game and providing that experience and not to mention his ability as a rugby player as well,’’ Herden said. Sturgess joins three other loan players from Dunedin: Corban Agar (Southern), Joe Parkinson (University) and Semisi Ma’asi (Zingari). Agar was a ‘‘very under-rated’’ lock who would not disappoint, Herden said. Parkinson offered plenty of speed and a good passing game at centre, and Ma’asi was a good ball-carrier and kicker at first five. ‘‘I’m looking forward to him running the ship,’’ Herden said.
