Otago is back home under the roof for the first time in nine weeks.
It plans to take full advantage of the conditions.
A week after the side’s delayed return match from the lockdown break, there should be less rust.
The backline struggled to fire in last week’s 27-14 loss to Manawatu on a windy day in Palmerston North.
That was not due to a lack of firepower in the line-up.
Otago just could not unleash itself after seven weeks off.
It should be a little easier against Taranaki tonight.
Forsyth Barr Stadium typically produces fast rugby.
However, coach Tom Donnelly said it was important Otago was accurate up front to give it the opportunity to play an open game.
‘‘It’s no secret that under the roof you can play pretty quick rugby and that’s how we like to play,’’ Donnelly said.
‘‘But there’s a few fundamental things you’ve got to get right up front to allow you to play like that.
‘‘We probably didn’t quite get those right last week.
‘‘So we’ve focused pretty heavily on getting that stuff right this week.
‘‘If we can tick those boxes we should be able to play an exciting brand of rugby.’’
He was also aware of the challenge in doing that.
Otago faces a quality Taranaki team that has been in top form.
It is unbeaten through four games, three of which were against Premiership teams, and ran rampant over Bay of Plenty in its last outing.
Donnelly dubbed the Taranaki forward pack the NPC’s best.
Among its stars are openside flanker Lachlan Boshier, one of the competition’s top players, who will bring up 50 matches for the province.
Former All Black squad member Reuben O’Neill will also make his 50th appearance at prop, while newly-selected All Black Josh Lord will pack down at lock.
Taranaki boasts a backline with its share of threats too, notably former Otago second five-eighth Tei Walden and the dangerous Kini Naholo — brother of former Highlander Waisake.
‘‘They’ve been playing really good footy,’’ Donnelly said.
‘‘To knock over three of the premiership sides and to have not lost a game yet, they’re playing with confidence and they’re working bloody hard with each other.
‘‘It’ll be a big challenge for us, particularly around the set piece.
‘‘... It’s no secret we’ve got to compete up front and then just stop their back three.
‘‘If we can deny them the ball and make sure we make our tackles it’ll be a lot easier.’’
Otago has added bulk to its forward pack, bringing Will Tucker in at lock and youngster Fabian Holland on to the bench.
Donnelly said while Josh Hill had played well, that duo would add more of a physical presence.
The other notable change was James Arscott starting at halfback in place of Kayne Hammington, who misses the game after picking up a head knock last week.
Hammington had been progressing well, but after a setback early in the week the team decided to call it early and give him the week off.
Arscott performed when introduced around the 20-minute mark last week and Donnelly said it was good to give him an opportunity.
The game kicks off at 7.05pm and will be played without a crowd.
● Earlier in the afternoon the Carisbrook Bush Pigs will face the Upper Hutt Rams in the national under-85kg championships.
They will play at Logan Park No6 at 3.30pm.
The winner of that game will advance to the semifinals in Wellington.
