Otago name two new caps for ITM Cup opener

New Otago coach Phil Mooney features two debutants in his backline to face Counties Manukau in Saturday's provincial opener in Pukekohe.

Fullback Chris Small and second five-eighths Josh Tatupu - all 103kg of him - will make their run-on debuts for Otago in the 4.30pm clash at Growers Stadium, with Tatupu also facing the enticing prospect of going head-to-head against former All Blacks skipper Tana Umaga.

The Otago backline has an untested look about it and will rely heavily on the strikpower of Ben Smith at centre and Fetu'u Vainikolo on the left wing.

Mooney's side looks stronger up front where the blue and gold pack should again prove competitive. Paul Grant, former All Black Adam Thomson and skipper Alando Soakai form a likely loose trio, Maori star Hayden Triggs combines with Seko Kalou at lock and veteran Kees Meeuws anchors the front row.

Otago had hoped to include Auckland front-row signing Halani Aulika in their squad, but a club suspension from the ARU has ruled him out of consideration this week.

There are also three uncapped players on the bench in the form of prop Blair Young, hooker Liam Coltman and outside backs cover Joe Hill.

Counties, meanwhile, have unveiled a couple of debutants and confirmed star recruit Umaga will run out in the No 12 jersey on Saturday against Otago.

Flanker Pepa Koloamatangi and Aussie prop Jono Owen will make their debuts for the union at this level, while Umaga will launch his much anticipated return to New Zealand rugby in the familiar second five position after shaking off a bout of the 'flu.

Coach Milton Haig has selected the most experienced squad he could, with the backline looking like it could have some fun this season with the well-performed Tim Nanai-Williams, sevens star Sherwin Stowers, rising 20-year-old Ahsee Tuala and talented centre Siale Piutau set to enjoy having one of the great midfielders setting them on their way.

"It's obvious that our main strength is an ability to attack through the backs so we've thrown a challenge to the forwards this year," Haig told NZPA. "It's just a matter of getting that backline of ours enough quality ball to do what they can do."

OTAGO: 15 Chris Small, 14 Ryan Shortland, 13 Ben Smith, 12 Josh Tatupu, 11 Fetu'u Vainikolo, 10 Glenn Dickson, 9 Sean Romans; 8 Paul Grant, 7 Alando Soakai (capt), 6 Adam Thomson, 5 Seko Kalou, 4 Hayden Triggs, 3 Sam Hibberd, 2 Peter Mirrielees, 1 Kees Meeuws. Reserves: 16 Liam Coltman, 17 Blair Young, 18 Hoani Matenga, 19 Eben Joubert, 20 Johnny Legg, 21 Andrew Parata, 22 Joe Hill.

COUNTIES MANUKAU: 15 Tim Nanai Williams, 14 Ahsee Tuala, 13 Siale Piutau, 12 Tana Umaga, 11 Sherwin Stowers, 10 Dean Cummins, 9 August Pulu; 8 Viliame Fihaki, 7 Pepa Koloamatangi, 6 Fritz Lee, 5 Jamie Chipman, 4 Taiasina Tuifua, 3 Jono Owen, 2 Grant Henson, 1 Simon Lemalu. Reserves: 16 Mark Price, 17 Graham Dewes, 18 Ronald Raaymakers, 19 Jamie Gilbert-Clarke, 20 Samisoni Fisilau, 21 Baden Kerr, 22 Reynold Lee-Lo.

- © Fairfax NZ News