The security of the Ranfurly Shield rests with a strong core of Dunedin club rugby players.
Otago have named their team for their first defence of the Shield in 2026.
North Otago will make the 80-minute drive south from Oamaru in the hopes of wrestling the Log o’ Wood away from big brother at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Tuesday night.
The Otago team are missing most of their Super Rugby players, who are enjoying some down time.
That has opened the door for some new names on the team sheet.
Exciting Kaikorai pair Charlie Breen and Orlando Tuhega-Vaitupu have been named in the starting XV.
Breen has been carving up at fullback. He has pace and an eye for gaps, while Tuhega-Vaitupu is a rangy loose forward who has impressed for the Demons.
Giant University lock Mitchell Tinnock gets an opportunity to shine, alongside a player who is new to Dunedin in Harry Irving. He played one game for Wellington last season and also played a match for the New Zealand under-20 side.
Former Scots College captain Irving has moved down to crack the Otago side and will be thrust into immediate action.
Green Island midfielder Riley Lucas has been named on the right wing, while Kaikorai’s Mefi Tupou gets the start on the left wing.
Harbour’s Rique Miln has been trusted in the No 10 jersey ahead of Southern’s Mackenzie Palmer, who has been in wonderful form for the Magpies but has been named on the bench.
Palmer is so versatile he can cover halfback, first five and fullback.
Harbour loosie Taylor Dale will bring some physicality at No 8, and club team-mate Toni Taufa is named at openside.
Taufa has played 21 games for the Old Golds, including seven last year. He has scored nine tries for North Otago and he is a fearsome tackler.
There are a couple of interesting inclusions on the bench. Kaikorai prop Philip Taua-Ah Soon and Southern bookend Isileli Otunuku, who can also play hooker, carry the ball strongly into contact.
There are plenty of familiar names as well. Seasoned hooker Liam Coltman has returned from a stint in Japan.
Midfielder Jake te Hiwi will captain the side and Josh Whaanga has been named at centre.
Ranfurly Shield
Otago team
Charlie Breen, Riley Lucas, Josh Whaanga, Jake Te Hiwi (captain), Mefi Tupou, Rique Miln, Kieran McClea, Orlando Tuhega-Vaitupu, Toni Taufa, Taylor Dale, Harry Irving, Mitchell Tinnock, Cam Allan-McNeill, Liam Coltman, Benjamin Lopas. Reserves: A-One Lolofie, Philip Taua-Ah Soon, Isileli Otunuku, Eric Peita, Slade McDowall, Oliver Thode, Mackenzie Palmer, Jake Fowler.
