Heartland on Scott's mind

Newly appointed South Canterbury rugby coach Simon Scott is keen to take the side to the next level.

Appointed in December, the Christchurch-based coach has spent several days in Timaru getting organised for the representative season and also watched the South Canterbury sevens side in Queenstown.

Yesterday he named incumbents Steve Wills and Simmon Edwards as his managers, Rachael Cahill as physiotherapist, and Chester Scott as his assistant coach.

Scott said he was looking forward to the opportunity after coaching Auckland's senior Ponsonby side to the Gallaher Shield over the past three seasons.

"It will be a challenge but one I'm sure I will enjoy."

It is clear Scott plans to take a thorough, back-to-basics approach to the side.

"There are a number of keys, starting with a hooker that can throw the ball in, a strong tight head prop, a loose head prop that can scrummage, they all are critical to a good side."

Scott is also keen on a first five-eighth that can kick goals, but that player must also be able to carry the ball to the line and form part of the defensive line as well.

"I'm big on process and will set a plan for the team to follow and will want them playing as a team," he says.

Every player will have a clear role and Scott will take a hands-on approach.

Scott believes the South Canterbury club competition can deliver most of the players he needs but has not ruled out using loan players to enhance the side if necessary.

"South Canterbury has a healthy competition, which is great and I will be down every weekend to look at the players," he said.

Scott said he went with his namesake Chester as an assistant because he was keen to learn and also had a good grasp of the local players.

"He has gone out of his way to seek new knowledge which is important, including from Super 14 franchises."

Scott adds that they're also related, sharing the same great-grandfather, but insists that played no part in the decision.

Once the club competition got underway the new coach said he would be drawing up a list of players capable of playing at the Heartland level and work from there.

"I'm hoping everyone playing club footy will be available to play representative rugby."

The Heartland competition is scheduled to kick-off on August 28.

South Canterbury will be expected to again be among the semi-finalists of top tier Meads Cup.

As part of the build-up the squad will go into a camp on August 7 and 8 and already has preseason games organised.

- © Fairfax NZ News