OTAGO

The early indications are looking positive for Otago ahead of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC.

Jermaine Ainsley is a key signing. The 27-year-old, 122kg tighthead prop will be the cornerstone of the Otago pack with his scrummaging power a major asset. The son of former All Blacks prop Joe McDonnell went to Otago Boys’ High School before shifting to Australia. He played three tests for the Wallabies in 2018. The front-row stocks are further strengthened by young Highlanders prop Saula Ma’u. Ma’u came down to Otago from Auckland Grammar School and made his debut aged 18 in 2019. Injuries have slowed his progress since, but he impressed during his appearances for the Highlanders earlier this year. Midfielders Raymond Nu’u and Thomas Umaga-Jensen are outstanding young players with definite prospects of national honours in the future. Head coach Tom Donnelly is delighted to have four more talented players to bolster what is looking to be a strong Otago squad that has the bulk of last year’s group back. “Jermaine has been outstanding this year in Super Rugby for the Highlanders and he is a very dependable and experienced player to have secured in our front row,” says Donnelly. “Ray has been carving up over the ditch for the Melbourne Rebels and we can’t wait to see him showcase those new learnings and skills in the Otago jersey for 2022. Thomas has been dominating in the Highlanders space, which is really exciting to see and we know he is going to bring that fire to the NPC format. “It has been awesome to see Saula finally back playing after a long two years being on the sidelines. We are stoked to have him on board for the next three seasons. He is definitely a front rower to watch.” Ainsley, Josh Ioane and Josh Dickson were selected in the Māori All Blacks team that defeated Ireland in the first match of the series played in June. Ioane shifted north to join the Chiefs for Super Rugby Pacific and the change of scene seems to have reignited his game. At his best, the one-test All Black is a gifted all-round first-five/fullback with the ability to cut through the tightest defensive lines. How he plays this season may well dictate if Otago make the play-offs or not. Dickson is one of the best up-andcoming locks in New Zealand rugby. At two metres tall and 109kg, he has the physical presence to dominate the lineouts and his impact at scrum time is massive. He was called up to train with the All Blacks ahead of the second test against Ireland – a clear indication he is on the selectors’ radar. All Blacks loosehead prop George Bower is unlikely to play but his influence as a mentor to the other Otago front rowers is significant.

COACH: TOM DONNELLY HOME GROUND:

FORSYTH BARR STADIUM, DUNEDIN

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