Depth is something no coach will ever turn their nose up at.
Ask Craig Sneddon. The Otago Spirit coach has the luxury of having a solid front row, with several players battling for starting spots.
It has led to a slight change for the Farah Palmer Cup side ahead of their game against North Harbour Hibiscus at Forsyth Barr Stadium tomorrow.
Rebekah Wairau, a strong and skilful ball carrier, makes her first start of the season at tight head, in her blazer game.
Her inclusion moves Paige Church to the bench, but she is in good company, with Isla Pringle returning after being overseas.
"Obviously [Pringle’s] been around that area in the Spirit for a few years now and she’s a proven performer at that level," Sneddon said.
Kayley Johnson is another addition, getting the nod at lock, with Sammie Bean shifting to the bench.
Johnson, who played in the loose forwards for Big River Country, is physical and has a big work rate, and has performed off the bench so far.
"It’s just trying to really give everyone a go.
"We want to find out who our best 23 is as well before we hit crunch time, I suppose."
Charlotte Va’afusuaga gets another crack at the starting lineup, this time on the wing. She impressed after coming on at halftime in the Spirit’s 42-20 loss against the Northland Kauri last week.
"She’s definitely an exciting talent and I think at the moment she’s definitely stepped up to that level.
"I think she’s playing some pretty good rugby. I mean, that’s probably another position where we’ve got quite a lot of depth in those outsides."
Grace Hastie will also make her first appearance for the Spirit off the bench, having worked her way back after being injured in the club rugby final for Alhambra-Union.
Sneddon was still positive following his side’s first loss, saying Northland’s ability to offload was "pretty outstanding", making it hard to defend.
"The last 60 minutes was 21-20 to them and we probably should have scored a couple at the end.
"I think obviously the 21-0 hole at the start didn’t help us, but once we managed to start playing ... we proved we can go with them."
Farah Palmer Cup
Forsyth Barr Stadium, tomorrow, 2.05pm
Otago: Sheree Hume, Charlotte Va’afusuaga, Cheyenne Cunningham, Keely Hill, Jamie Church, Maia Joseph, Georgia Cormick, Bella Rewiri-Wharerau, Leah Miles, Zoe Whatarau, Julia Gorinski (captain), Kayley Johnson, Rebekah Wairau, Tegan Hollows, Eilis Doyle. Reserves: Hannah Lithgow, Paige Church, Isla Pringle, Sammie Bean, Grace Hastie, Abigail Paton, Oceana Campbell, Te Atawhai Campbell.
