Rugby: 'Stormin' Norman's 100th game today

Otago have a lot of winning to do to transform their NPC campaign.

And they hope that will be the case against Northland at Carisbrook in Dunedin today, when perennial crowd favourite "Stormin" Norman Berryman will play his 100th game for the visitors.

Three consecutive losses to start the campaign have left the Otago players in no doubt of their mission for the rest of the NPC.

They must continue the winning habit they established against Counties Manukau last Saturday.

"It's a game we should win and it's a game which we must win and score four tries," Otago coach Kevin Gloag said yesterday.

But he acknowledged that it would be easier said than done.

"Northland are a very physical side up front.

"Captain Glenn Taylor has got a hard-nosed bunch around him and he demands a lot of them," he said.

"They've got some backs that can cause trouble, too.

"They'll definitely have a crack at us."

Northland have made two changes to their starting side from last week, with Jared Going replacing the injured Tony Monaghan at first five-eighths and Joe Ross coming in for Jason Hammond at hooker.

Hammond popped a rib cartilage against North Harbour last weekend but will still take his place on the reserves' bench.

If "Stormin" Norman is in the mood he could cause some big problems for the Otago defence in his milestone match.

Another threat is in-form No 8 Samiu Vahafolau, well known to Otago fans after making six appearances for the Highlanders this year.

He, Justin Collins and Brett Waaka should have a tremendous tussle with the Otago loose trio of Kelvin Middleton, Josh Kronfeld and Taine Randell. Northland have lost their two home games but won their two away matches, and Otago will hope that sequence is not extended today.

"We didn't get everything right against North Harbour last week, but we just didn't have any passion or pride with it," Northland coach Bryce Woodward said.

"I'm sure we'll make amends for that - I certainly hope so, anyway."

Otago have won 21, lost seven and drawn two of their matches against Northland.

Northland last beat Otago in 1990 in Whangarei (12-9) and last won at Carisbrook in 1979 (16-7).

-NZPA