Coach Steve Jackson is licking his lips as he eyes up this Saturdays match under the roof in Dunedin. "We certainly timed that well, looking at the weather forecast. A fast hard ground will suit us as it has clearly suited them so far." Jackson has noted the kicking game that Otago have bought to this years campaign (they currently top the stats in that area) as well as as the speed they have around the paddock. "We have been pretty good in these departments too - especially in the mobility area - and we have some big guys that don't mind getting around the paddock to find their work".
Injuries last week to James Parsons (concussion) and Matt Duffie (AC injury) have meant that Vyron Smith comes into the hooker position for his second start of the season with Matt McGahan playing in his less familiar position at fullback. "Matt came on early against Manawatu last week and played well there - topped off by that try-saving tackle in the corner.
These changes make way for Lukas (Marty) Swart to come in for his first cap as fullback cover - something he must have wondered would ever arrive. Marty has been part of the squad for 3 seasons - but two knee reconstruction's and a finger injury have meant he has spent that entire time in rehab. "If Marty gets on, it will clearly be a very special moment for him and for the whole squad as we have all shared his pain and set-backs. His journey to Forsyth Barr has been something really special - not something he would ever have wanted - but special none the less and is a real tribute to his character" In the other change, Jackson has opted for the mobility of Glenn Preston over Josh Tyrell in the loose - clearly a move to counter Otago's threats.
Otago remain unbeaten and have scored bonus points in three of their first four games - so they will clearly prove a real challenge.
QBE Harbour side:
Nic MAYHEW - Northcote
Vyron SMITH - Takapuna
Sione MAFILEO - North Shore
Gerard COWLEY - TUIOTI - Massey
Chris VUI - MASSEY ©
Glenn PRESTON - Marist
Connor COLLETT - Maasey
Murphy TARAMAI - Northcote
Bryn HALL - Northcote
Bryn GATLAND - Takapuna
Tevita LI - Massey
Michael LITTLE - Glenfield
Matt VAEGA - Massey
Mark TELEA - Massey
Matt McGAHAN - Western Pioneers
16. Adrian SMITH - Massey; 17. Hans FATAI - East Coast Bays; 18. Karl TU'INUKUAFE - Takapuna; 19. Brandon NANSEN - North Shore; 20. Hapakuki MOALA-LIAVAA - Massey; 21. Chris SMYLIE - Massey; 22. Daniel HILTON-JONES - North Shore; 23. Lukas SWART - East Coast Bays
The game is live on SS1 at 2.35pm Saturday
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