Rugby: Taniwha ready for southern tests

Tane Takulua will again wear the No9 jersey as the Taniwha side prepares to take on Otago in Dunedin tomorrow night, before backing it up and facing Southland on Saturday.PHOTO/JOHN STONE

With a buzz created on the streets of Northland, the Taniwha will look to keep up the momentum as they enter into a massive week of rugby - starting tomorrow against Otago.

The Taniwha have made just one change to the side which beat Hawke's Bay in overtime last Friday night at Toll Stadium as they look for consistency.

Awanui winger Jone Macilai returns from injury to replace Ume Fosita, who slides back to the bench as Dan McCully moves out of the match day 22.

Macilai's Awanui teammate Whiria Meltzer maintains his starting spot over fellow Awanui teammate Filipo Nakosi.

Helping boost Taniwha coach Derren Witcombe after the game was the lack of injuries coming from the win, saying there a few sore bodies but no one new would be joining Matt Talaese and Winston Stanley on the sidelines.

Witcombe was matter-of-fact with the plan against Otago tomorrow night - play their game.

"We are very keen to go down there and play some rugby," he said. "Obviously it's going to be dry [the match being played at Forsyth Barr Stadium] and it's a good opportunity to get into our game.

"They're a good side but we really just need to work on us, it's ours to lose really."

While Witcombe was still glowing with Friday night's 23-21 win, he was not happy that the team diverted from the game plan at times.

He said against Otago there would be a real focus on playing their brand of rugby with particular interest on ball security and the game plan.

Northland will have to step up to win, before having to back it up on Saturday when they play Southland in Invercargill.

Helping the Taniwha, though, is the Otago team's lack of superstars and growing injury list. However, their side does feature five 2014 Highlanders' squad members.

The week ahead

Northland v Otago, tomorrow, 7.35pm (Dunedin).

Northland v Southland, Saturday, 4.35pm (Invercargill).

Taniwha
Ross Wright
Matt Moulds
Namatahi Waa
Shane Neville
Tom Murday
Dan Pryor
Jack Ram
Cam Eyre (c)
Tane Takulua
Dan Hawkins
Jone Macilai
Troy Gilbert
Brook Gilmore
Whiria Meltzer
Matt Wright.
Reserves: Howard Sililoto, Willgriff John, Michael Stolberg, Kara Pryor, Kurt Davies, Ume Fosita, Warren Dunn.

Otago: Aki Seiuli, Liam Coltman, Michael Mata'afa, Jackson Hemopo, Tom Franklin, Lee Allan, Hugh Blake, Charlie O'Connell, Josh Renton, Hayden Parker, Fa'asiu Fuatai, Teihorangi Walden, Jayden Spence, Matt Faddes, Trent Renata. Reserves: Sam Anderson-Heather, George Bower, Josh Dickson, Naulia Dawai, Nick Ealey, Peter Breen, Tony Ensor.