They were reasonably sharp against Counties-Manukau.
They defended stoutly to post a 33-19 win at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
But Tasman will present a much greater threat level in Nelson tonight.
They have an all-star midfield pairing of Timoci Tavatavanawai and Leicester Fainga’anuku.
Tavatavanawai was the Highlanders’ best player this season and got an All Black call-up, while Fainga’anuku has returned to New Zealand rugby with the goal of pulling on the black shirt again once he is eligible.
Former All Black David Havili is at fullback and the dangerous Kyren Taumoefolau is on the right wing.
Macca Springer is missing from the lineup this week, which is a small relief for the visitors.
The simple solution is to cut off their supply of ball.
Otago coach Mark Brown had a chuckle at that suggestion.
"In principle, that sounds like a good plan," he said.
"But they’re going to get the ball.
"We’ve just got to make sure that when they get it, it’s in the right parts of the field and on our terms.
"Our defence has been working well. So, yeah, it’s a great backline, but it’s a great team, full stop."
Otago has made a couple of changes.
Highlanders blindside Oliver Haig has started the last three games from the bench but has been given the nod ahead of Will Stodart, and All Black prop George Bower comes into the squad for the first time this season and will start from the bench.
Former All Black hooker Liam Coltman is also on the bench.
The tight five of Joseva Tamani, Will Tucker, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell and Abraham Pole have served Otago well.
"We’ve got some quality cattle in the forwards, but we’re under no illusions about the challenge they [Tasman] present.
"But we’re going up there fully believing in ourselves and we’re ready to give it a crack."
The win against Wellington in Porirua in round three was a quality performance. But the match against Tasman will be a stern and emotional test.
The Mako lost one of their own this week. Shane Christie died suddenly in Nelson earlier this week.
He played 73 games for Tasman and spent a lot of time in Dunedin.
Christie played 29 games for the Highlanders between 2014 and 2017. The loose forward returned as the club’s defence coach in 2021 and 2022.
"It’s very sad circumstances and our sympathies go out to the rugby community as a whole, but particularly up there.
"But when Shane played, he gave it his all, and Tasman will be trying to do that in his honour.
"The best way we can pay our respects to Shane is to front up, so that’ll be our approach."
NPC
Nelson, 7.10pm
Otago: Sam Gilbert (captain), Jae Broomfield, Josh Timu, Jake Te Hiwi, Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Dylan Pledger, Christian Lio-Willie, Lucas Casey, Oliver Haig, Joseva Tamani, Will Tucker, Saula Ma’u, Henry Bell, Abraham Pole. Reserves: Liam Coltman, George Bower, Rohan Wingham, Will Stodart, Harry Taylor, Nathan Hastie, Josh Whaanga, Sam Nemec-Vial.
Tasman: David Havili (captain), Kyren Taumoefolau, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jack Gray, William Havili, Mitchell Drummond, Fletcher Anderson, Sione Havili Talitui, Ethan Blackadder, Antonio Shalfoon, Quinten Strange, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Eli Oudenryn, Ryan Coxon. Reserves: Tomasi Maka, Tom Haywood, Sione Mafi, Hunter Leppien, Lopeti Faifua, Jay Renton, Cooper Grant, Cooper Roberts.
