Otago Country coach Roger Cotton is upbeat about his side's chances against Canterbury Country in Cromwell tomorrow, despite suffering three losses from three games this season.
Cotton believed his side had shown enough last weekend against Southland Metro (28-20) and against North Otago a fortnight ago (24-15) to get a win this weekend.
''The boys are starting to get used to each other now and we are starting to get our systems right, so we'll go well.''
Cotton believed his key players were first five-eighth Matt Te Tana and centre Bill Maiono.
Te Tana is a Dunstan High School old boy who plays his rugby for Kaikorai in Dunedin. Maiono has come off an excellent season for South Otago champion Heriot.
Clutha's Simon Grant will again captain Country from No 8 in a forward pack that will be key against Canterbury Country's physicality.
Cotton did not know a lot about Canterbury Country but said it would be strong up front and was likely to have some quick backs.
Last season, Canterbury Country won the fixture 40-12.
The match kicks off at 1pm at Anderson Park.
The colts clash is at 12.30pm.
Otago Country
To play Canterbury Country
Ben Purvis, Gavin Stark, Bill Maiono, Michael Paulin, Mike McHutcheon, Matt Te Tana, Josh Botting, Simon Grant (captain), Blair van der Voort, Dave Kenny, Mark Homer, Andy Brun, Nic Gee, Will Hurst, Stu Young. Reserves: Charles Crutchly, Jim Stevenson, Ben MacDonald, Blake McPhee/Craig McKenzie, Jamie Brown, Hayden Wyber, Tyler Bichan.
