Fresh from their first win of the season, North Otago will be up for the challenge against Heartland Championship powerhouses Thames Valley in Oamaru this afternoon.
The Old Golds strung together a big second half last week to beat East Coast 48-19, while the Swamp Foxes — who are the defending Meads Cup champions — withstood a late try from King Country to also score their first win 24-20.
‘‘I’m pleased for the boys that they got a win and their hard work’s paying off,’’ North Otago coach Luke Herden said.
‘‘We’re just going to keep improving — that’s not going to stop throughout the whole season — but [today’s] a good chance for us to take on one of the big boys, the defending champs.
‘‘Hopefully it’s a nice day and the boys can turn it on for their family, and friends and the community.’’
Valley lock Anthony Docherty has been named for his first start of the season in the Old Golds’ second row and Excelsior midfielder Matia Qiolevu gets the nod at centre.
Zingari centre Ben Fakava will come off the bench.
Docherty impressed during the club season and was strong in the preseason Otago Country clash until he picked up an injury.
‘‘His point of difference for us is at the moment he’s a real leader with the lineout calling, so he can provide some good direction in that department,’’ Herden said.
Qiolevu was a standout for Blues in their Citizens Shield defence and is always electric with ball in hand.
‘‘He can do the unexpected, which is going to be good for us,’’ Herden said.
‘‘I’m looking forward to both of them guys having a go.’’
Loan player Toni Taufa remains at blindside after his return to the Old Golds last week and teams with Savenaca Rabaka and Junior Fakatoufifita in a dynamic loose forward trio.
Mitch Morton, who has put in some big shifts in his opening three Heartland games, remains at lock.
Thames Valley had two tough games to open their campaign, losing 50-34 to Mid Canterbury and were edged 35-34 by South Canterbury, before last week’s win.
In today’s other games, top-of-the-table West Coast are home to Wairarapa-Bush, Mid Canterbury host East Coast and South Canterbury meet Whanganui in Timaru, which shapes as the game of the round.
King Country play Horowhenua-Kapiti and Poverty Bay come up against Buller.
Heartland Championship
Nth Otago A&P Showgrounds, 2.30pm
North Otago: Ben Paton, Hopoate Finau, Matia Qiolevu, Tini Feke, Ben McCarthy, Kenta Iemura, Kippei Taninaka, Junior Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka, Toni Taufa, Mitch Morton, Anthony Docherty, Paea Pala, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki.
Reserves: Cameron Rowland, Mateo Qolisese, Lisivani Tuifua, Lagi Poasa, Asaeli Ngahe, Seru Cavuilati, Ben Fakava, Lachlan Kingan.
Thames Valley: Quinn Collard, Logan Mitchell, Kase Meyer, Sam McCahon, Sione Etoni, Logan Allan, Finley Davenport, Aporosa Vuniyayawa, Cam Dromgool, Lesen Huiarangi, Connor McVerry, Ben Donald, Adam Coyle, Kenan Gillson, Toby Taylor.
Reserves: Chad Bracey, SemisiMahe, Mako Mataira, Isaac Seiuli, Laulea Mau, Jake O’Connor, Ish Leilua, Harry Lafituanai.
