North Otago intends to try a different game plan when it plays top qualifier East Coast in a Meads Cup semifinal at Wharekura Park, Ruatoria this afternoon.
East Coast, which has dropped only one game, will be firm favourite as it seeks to avenge the 116-3 loss to North Otago in Ruatoria in 2010.
East Coast plays flamboyant rugby and so far this season has scored an average of four tries per game, although 18 came from two games, against King Country and Thames Valley.
Only once has it been held tryless, when it lost to South Canterbury 37-9.
East Coast will try to play the game at pace.
North Otago coach Barry Matthews indicated that as there were no bonus points available in semifinals rugby, North Otago's game would change.
"We will be doing some things differently. They're a very good side and apart from the loss to South Canterbury they've won every game," Matthews said.
"East Coast are a lot fitter than last year and they've got two or three dangerous players with the ball. Rua Tipoki and Ngarimu Simpkins have played a lot of rugby and their right winger, Whaimutu Craft-Chemis, is very quick. Tipoki will want to up the pace with quick dropouts and tap penalties in an effort to create space."
Matthews was adamant that it would be fatal for North Otago to try to match East Coast at this game.
"The last thing we want to get dragged into is a game of basketball. They like to throw it around and open the game up. We'll concentrate on getting the set pieces right and play a more territorial game."
North Otago has made two changes to the side which defeated Thames Valley last week.
Adam Barnard, who played so well when he came on in place of Rowan McKenzie last week, will start on the right wing, while Jamie Townsend is in the reserves in place of Elliot Booley.
"I just thought that Jamie would offer more off the bench.
Against the wide game of East Coast, Jamie is very fit and although we may lose a bit at scrum time he could go to loosehead if required and Ralph Darling to tighthead."
But Matthews is under no illusions.
"We were pretty lucky to make the top four so we're going up there with nothing to lose. The boys are upbeat after the last two weeks. You would have seen that last week when Chris Talanoa scored the fourth and vital try late in the game. They came in from everywhere to celebrate.
"We haven't probably seen that for the past couple of years. But its finals rugby and the team that wants it the most will win."
In the other semifinal, Wanganui will host Wairarapa-Bush, while in the Lochore Cup semis Buller plays Poverty Bay in Westport, and South Canterbury and Mid Canterbury clash in Timaru.
By Terry O'Neill.
Meads Cup semifinals
North Otago v East Coast
Ruatoria, today, 2.30pm
North Otago: Chris Talanoa, Adam Barnard, Lemi Masoe, Billy Guyton, Tim O'Malley, Hamish Buick, Tala Fagasoaia, Tony Lamborn, Jack Wolfreys, Sale Pi'I, Uilisoni Tahitua, Eric Duff, Rangi Hepi, Josh Collier, Ralph Darling (captain).
Reserves: Michael Paterson, Jamie Townsend, Ian Cooney, Tom Verdonk, Nick Webster, Hamish McKenzie, Rowan McKenzie
East Coast: Verdon Bartlett, Whaimutu Craft-Chemis, Pomare Samupo, Rua Tipoki, T K Moeke, John Semple, Charlie Harrison, Morgan Wirepa jun, Brent Ingram, Pakanui Webb, Kerehama Blackman, Everard Reid, Ziggy Fisilhoi, Ngarimu Simpkins (captain),Tripoli Poi
Reserves: Frank Taiapa, Frank Manuel, Mutu Ngarimu, Sam Parkes, Marty Lloyd, Mike King, Tom Teaeki
