North Otago goes into its game against Wairarapa-Bush at Masterton this afternoon with the knowledge that its playoff destiny lies in its own hands, something readily accepted by coach Barry Matthews.
"It's a very important game for us. We've still got a chance of making the top four. We'll need to score four tries for a start so we'll have to play a more attacking style today," he said.
South Canterbury lost two points yesterday, and was fined $4500, for fielding an inelgible player in three games.
The loss of the points means South Canterbury drops from fourth to sixth. It is on 19 points, four ahead of North Otago, with two rounds to go.
South Canterbury listed winger Aporosa Tabulawaki as a local player but he arrived in the country a day after the cut-off date.
North Otago has made several changes to its starting side. Josh Collier will start at hooker and Willie Tahitua will lock the scrum with Eric Duff, while Sale Pi'i comes in at No 6. In the backs, Chris Talanoa gets a start at fullback.
"Willie was not available last week through injury and we know that he's a very good ball carrier.
He's got that X-factor with the ball in hand," Matthews said.
"I thought that Sale Pi'i played very well when he came on against Wanganui. He was quite dominant in the tackle and again he's a strong ball carrier and I think we have been lacking penetration with the ball in hand.
"Chris gets a start because he played very well when he came on last week while Tala Fagasoaia gets a start at halfback after his effort off the bench last week."
Wairarapa-Bush (22) lies in second place behind Wanganui, to which it lost in the fourth round, 26-19, and although it has averaged fewer than three tries per game, it has a strong defensive line, conceding only 11 tries.
Only once this season has it picked up a bonus point for four-plus tries, against Poverty Bay.
"They are very organised at the set pieces and their defence is very sound. They'll be hard to break down."
By Terry O'Neill.
North Otago v Wairarapa-Bush
Masterton, today, 2.30pm
North Otago: Chris Talanoa, Rowan McKenzie, Lemi Masoe, Billy Guyton, Tim O'Malley, Hamish Buick, Tala Fagasoaia, Tony Lamborn, Jack Wolfreys, Sale Pi'i, Eric Duff, Ulisoni Tahitua, Rangi Hepi, Josh Collier, Ralph Darling (captain).
Reserves: Michael Paterson, Elliot Booley, Ian Cooney, Tom Verdonk, Tyron Davies, Hamish McKenzie, Adam Barnard.
Wairarapa-Bush: Nick Olson, Inia Katia, Jesse McGilvary, Titapu Pirama-Lewington, Nathan Hunt, Glen Walters, Matt O'Connor, Tom Fleming, Johan Van Vliet, James Goodger, Andrew McLean, Brandon Young, Wilba Davies, Richard Puddy, Kurt Simmonds (captain).
Reserves: Jamie Hunt, Fui Fuimaono, Johnie McFadzean, Jim Temo, Byron Karaitiana, Mike Te Whare, Cameron Hayton.
