Changed North Otago squad for Ruatoria

Barry Stevens.
Barry Stevens.
It was a case of introductions all round as the North Otago side gathered to head to Ruatoria to play East Coast this afternoon.

Injuries from last weekend’s game and unavailability of some players has resulted in a revamped squad travelling north.

Injuries to No8-lock Sione Misiloi and blindside flanker Lucas Goodin have forced changes, while Ralph Darling is also doubtful.

Darling injured his ankle in the high scoring draw with Horowhenua-Kapiti last Saturday and he is bracketed with Robbie Richardson.

In the backs, Lemi Masoe is being rested and fullback Craig Smith is unavailable.

On the more positive side, former South Canterbury hooker Sione Vea, who played 10 of South Canterbury’s 11 matches in 2015, has transferred to North Otago and he has been included in the squad.

Joe Pickett and Dan Towler complete the front row and will look to be joined by Darling although it is touch and go whether he will play.

Harvard Fale and Jared Whitburn have been retained as the locking pair while flanker Filipo Veamatahau goes to No8 and Matt Duff, from the development XV, and Jacob Coghlan have been named as the flankers.

In the backline, with Masoe on the sidelines, Cameron Morris starts at second five-eighth with Matthew Vocea and Simon Lilicama on the wings and Oscar Pamment at fullback.

Vea joins the bench along with Sale Pi’i.

East Coast has lost its three games played to date but North Otago coach, Barry Stevens is well aware of what a slow start from North Otago may do for East Coast’s confidence.

"It’s a very close competition ... so it’s really important that we make the most of this opportunity," he said.

"We need to come away with a win, a good win. East Coast are never easy at home. We need to start well and stamp our mark on the game early. That just comes down to us holding on to possession and mounting pressure.

"When we have stuck to our structures and used the width we’ve got the players with the skill level to score tries.

"It’s just when we try to score tries too early, off every set piece, that we come unstuck. If we can control the ball for five or six phases we can score tries against any side."

- Terry O'Neill

 

East Coast v Nth Otago.
Ruatoria, today, 2.30pm

North Otago: Oscar Pamment, Matthew Vocea, Shae Tucker, Cameron Morris, Simon Lilicama, Josh Casey, Robbie Smith, Filipo Veamatahau, Matt Duff, Jacob Coghlan, Harvard Fale, Jared Whitburn, Ralph Darling or Robbie Richardson, Joe Pickett, Dan Towler. Reserves: Sione Vea, Jake Greenslade, Sale Pi’i, Meli Kolinisau, Tyron Davies, Lemi Masoe, Siosua Ngalo.

East Coast: Verdon Bartlett, Jayden Milner, Tane McGuire, Loni Fishiihoi, Ian Wilson, Todd Doolan, Sam Parkes, Parekura Lalaga, Mikaira Chaffey, Jacob Nield, Tim Barbarich, Hone Haerewa, George Tuala, Perrin Manuel, Pera Bishop. Reserves: Kareti Palmer, Michael Chambers, Mone Vaka, Ben Parkes, Tevita Ahoafi, Kris Palmer, David Manuel.

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