North Otago meets Buller this afternoon knowing that a win will give it a home semifinal in a fortnight's time and coach Mike Mullins is very aware of what that would mean.
"A North Otago win would give us a home advantage and that would be a bonus, an extra for the team. We're not looking any further ahead than this week for a win and we don't care how we get it."
Third-placed Buller also has plenty of motivation to beat North Otago knowing that it should beat the struggling Thames Valley side in Westport in the final round next week.
Buller is an under-rated side. Certainly it has only won two games so far but its losses have been close ones - losing to Horowhenua-Kapiti 17-13, West Coast 26-20, Wanganui 15-11 and Wairarapa-Bush 28-13.
Mullins is aware of Buller's ability.
"Buller has a very good pack with an experienced front row in Phil Beveridge approaching his 80th game for Buller and captain Clark Nelson who is close to his century of games in the Buller colours.
"They've got size in the locks and a good loose forward trio. The Buller backs aren't flashy but the midfield is big and strong-running and they've got some flair on the wings and a capable fullback in Matt Bonisch.
"They've got threats all over the park and for us, it'll be just a matter of retaining possession and not giving them the opportunities."
The return to the loosehead position of Palenapa Mafi and of Mark Essex to hooker will make for a great contest up front. In the backs the only change sees Ekeroma Sefo come in at centre in place of Mullins.
In the reserves, Ralph Darling replaces Rangi Hepi, Josh Collier comes in for Viliami Leo and Nick Webster, after not being required for the East Coast game, is picked at the expense of Hamish McKenzie.
"Nick and Hamish has basically been a straight swap. Nick hasn't done much wrong since Hamish got injured, so it's an opportunity for two halfbacks to stake a claim, as we can only name two of the three.
"Jason Forrest's delivery is a little bit quicker and gives more depth and time to Daniel Waenga at first five-eighth and the rest of the backline to operate. As well, Forrest has got a good tactical head on him."
After two days of steady rain the conditions underfoot could play a part.
"Wet-weather rugby may apply so that's probably going to come into the equation if it's wet, but we'll assess it when we get there. We're happy with the way the forwards are running, especially our loose forward trio, so we'll probably keep the ball in front of them."
The final round of qualifying next week for the semifinals could see four teams all tied at the top of the Lochore Cup table.
If Buller gains four points against North Otago this afternoon and King Country beats West Coast at home and can claim five points from the game all four unions would be on 16 points going into the final round next weekend.
NORTH OTAGO V BULLER
Oamaru, today, 2.30pm
North Otago: Peter Breen, Ofa Fatai, Ekeroma Sefo, Aaron Kimura, Lemi Masoe, Daniel Waenga, Jason Forrest, Samisoni Tongotongo, Ross Hay (captain), Paula Fonokalafi, Tua Limuloa, Aisake Fonua, Tavite Mafi, Mike Essex, Palenapa Mafi. Reserves: Fraser Fletcher, Ralph Darling, Duncan Naude, Josh Collier, David Simpson, Nick Webster, Hamish Clare.
Buller: Matt Bonisch, Tem Faifua, Pene Nabainivalu, Kevin Moore, Mitieli Kaloudigibeci, Nathan Thompson, Nick Makea, Scott Higginson, Luke Brownlee, Shane Christie, Craig Moore, Ben Coman, Clark Nelson (captain), Ryan Hughes, Philip Beveridge. Reserves: Glen Atkin, Jay Smith, Jamie Paul, Lewis Roach, Marcus Taylor, Daniel Hooper, Michael Mumm.
- Terry O'Neill
