North Otago goes into this afternoon's game knowing it cannot afford take its neighbour lightly.
Although North Otago has won 11 of the 13 matches played against South Canterbury over the past decade, South Canterbury's has won two when it really mattered.
In 2001, South Canterbury, as outsider, beat North Otago in the third division final in Oamaru 20-16 and last season in the opening round of Heartland rugby South Canterbury took the game 26-22 as North Otago began its slide to Lochore Cup rugby.
If there has been a consistent factor in North Otago's performances this season it has been its inconsistency on the paddock.
A 17-try effort against East Coast was followed by an ordinary display against Buller and a second-rate effort against Mid Canterbury. But the following week against unbeaten Poverty Bay, North Otago looked all class in its 40-8 win.
"It comes down to mental preparation," co-coach Barry Matthews said.
We had a good yarn about that but I feel it's up to the players themselves to just apply themselves," he said.
This afternoon's game is of vital importance to both sides.
"It's very important. South Canterbury is sitting behind us on 17 points [three behind North Otago] and they'll be viewing this as a must-win game. They know that if they lose they could be gone from Meads Cup semifinal contention.
"If we can win this game we can look forward to next week's game against Wanganui as a bonus. This is crucial for our campaign going forward."
North Otago has made three changes to its starting line-up. Dave Simpson comes in to lock the scrum with Eric Duff. Aisake Fonua, who started against Wairarapa-Bush, is out with a shoulder injury.
Kilifi Fangupo returns to halfback while Ofa Fatai comes on to the left wing in place of Soane Kasanova, who looked suspect on defence against Wairarapa-Bush.
First-class loose forward centurion Ross Hay returns to the bench for the first time in Heartland rugby this season, along with Dylan Winter, who was not available last week. Chris Talanoa comes into the back reserves as a cover for first five-eighth and fullback.
South Canterbury comes into the game with four wins from five games but its inability to score bonus points has it ranked fifth in the Meads Cup, a point behind Poverty Bay.
Christchurch loan player first five-eighth Jason Merrett has scored 62 of South Canterbury's 107 points.
The inside-back combination of Merrett and Sekpoe Maea will be the key to South Canterbury's performance.
N Otago v S Canty
Oamaru, 2.30pm
North Otago: Billy Guyton, Greg Zampach, Faaitu Tuamoheloa, Luke Herden (captain), Ofa Fatai, Ben Patston, Kilifi Fangupo, Tevita Fifta, Ryan Long, Josh Collier, Eric Duff, Dave Simpson, Palenapa Mafi, Stu Philpott, Ralph Darling.
Reserves: Ipana Taua, Dylan Winter, Ross Hay, Uilisoni Tahitua, Hamish McKenzie, Chris Talanoa, Sione Pangata.
South Canterbury: James Owen, Tevita Latu, Tanui Suavine, John Peeters, Simon Murray, Jason Merrett, Sekope Maea, Andrew Garton, Hamish Westergarth, Eric Smith, Shannon McRae, Andrew Scarlett, Jonathon Direen, Ben Hewitson, Matt Fetu.
Reserves: Faianga'a Savieti, Timaru Tafa, Nick Strachan, Kali Latu, Scott Norton, Jarred Trevathan, Matt Hayes.
- Terry O'Neill
