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Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Old Golds stutter after strong start
Ninety seconds. That is all it took for halfback Seru Cavuilati to break away and get North Otago on the board. And for the first 30 minutes, the Old Golds looked the goods and showed some real flashes of brilliance to lead 21-10. But once Whanganui clicked into gear, the Butcher Boys were too strong, keeping the Old Golds scoreless in the second half and piling on their own to win 39-21 in the Heartland Championship opener at Cooks Garden on Saturday. The Old Golds will be all the better for their opening game and there were nice glimpses of what fans can expect this season. They just struggled to shut down Whanganui's key playmakers and execute in their own area when it counted in the second half. Blindside flanker Mitch Morton put in a mighty defensive shift on debut and was in the thick of everything. First five Kenta Iemura drove the team nicely as well. Cavuilati — also on debut — broke away to score early and give the Old Golds a 7-0 lead. Whanganui struck back when experienced first five Dane Whale shimmied through and put Alekesio Vakarorogo into space. The Old Golds kept the ball in hand, building a long passage of play that eventually led to a reward. Centre Ben Fakatava looked to be in as Whanganui slipped off the tackle, but he dished off to blockbusting No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita, who crashed over. Whanganui were uncharacteristically messy, dropping balls cold and struggling to find their flow, and there were plenty of signs it was the first game of the season for both teams. Fullback Adam Boult — who was outstanding — banged over an ugly penalty off the posts 25m out to close the gap. North Otago showed good intent at the breakdown when hooker Hayden Tisdall cleaned out Whanganui's defenders about 40m out. That allowed Fakava to come straight over the ruck and scoop up the ball to find the space for winger Hopate Finau to run away with a nice try on debut. That extended the Old Golds' lead to 21-10 before Whanganui found some space. Whale dished off a lovely inside ball for Boult to score, and hooker Matthew Picard scored from a rolling maul to give Whanganui a 24-21 lead at halftime. Boult scored the opening 13 points of the second half, banging over a penalty and converting his own try for a comfortable 34-21 lead. There was a bit of a lull through the middle of the second half when neither team were able to execute. Whanganui's exit was charged down and when they retrieved it, Morton brought them down in-goal. The Old Golds strung together phases but could never break through. Vakarorogo scored late to seal the victory for Whanganui. Old Golds prop Jake Greenslade came off the bench for his 50th Heartland game. Mid Canterbury dominated defending champions Thames Valley 50-34 in a repeat of last year's Meads Cup final. South Canterbury (50-29 over Wairarapa-Bush) and Horowhenua-Kapiti (59-14 over Buller) had big wins, Poverty Bay beat East Coast 18-8, and West Coast beat King Country 38-18. Heartland Championship The scores Whanganui 39 Adam Boult 2, Alekesio Vakarorogo 2, Matthew Picard tries; Boult 4 con, 2 pen. North Otago 21 Seru Cavuilati, Junior Fakatoufifita, Hopate Finau tries; Kenta Iemura 3 con. Halftime: Whanganui 24-21.
Otago Daily Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
‘Good feeling' around Old Golds camp
Old Golds back Ben Paton is looking forward to the opening of the Heartland Championships this afternoon. PHOTO: KAYLA HODGE There is a quiet optimism about where this North Otago team could go this season. Heartland is always full of the unknowns on the eve of the first game and this year is no different as the Old Golds meet Whanganui for their season opener this afternoon. Utility back Ben Paton looked forward to the challenge that awaited the group. "It's a good feeling around the group, eh," Paton said. "A lot of the boys have sort of been sort of in the squad for the last two, or three, years at least. Just more and more experience. "We've got quite a good squad and a big squad as well. Hopefully we can get back into the playoffs." Paton, who will start at fullback this afternoon, has been around the squad for the past four years and felt the Old Golds looked good across the board. "We've got a bit of size and a bit of speed — all facets of it look pretty good." It will be head coach Luke Herden's first clash in the top job and Paton had enjoyed the former North Otago loan player taking on the coachingreins. "He was involved a few years ago as an assistant and then he's come in and really led the way. "It's been good to learn... a few bits and pieces off him as well, especially because he was a fullback." Paton, 23, has spent the past five years playing for Valley, who have struck up a relationship with Japanese club Toyota Verblitz. A couple of players headed to the Weston club last year, and played for Heartland. More arrived this year, including Japanese sevens player Kippei Taninaka — who played at the Paris Olympics — who will come off the bench in Whanganui this afternoon. "It's pretty cool actually," Paton said. "We just get to immerse them in New Zealand culture and having them give a bit of the same thing back to us. "It's quite cool to get sort of involved with that sort of thing." Paton, who works as a shepherd on a farm in North Otago, knew the Old Golds would be up to the challenge against Whanganui. "For us it's got to be an 80-minute performance. "We can't turn off, especially against Whanganui — they've been one of the stronger sides in the Heartland comp over the last few years. "Just for us to be physical up front and then also execute when we need to." Loose forwards Cameron Rowland, Savenaca Rabaka and hooker Hayden Tisdall have been named as co-captains. Experienced prop Kelepi Funaki makes a welcome return to the front row and Athletic Marist pair Asaeli Ngahe and Epineri Logavatu will be big in the lineout. Kurow's Mitch Morton makes his Heartland debut on the blindside and energetic No8 Junior Fakatoufifita returns. Japanese player Kenta Iemura will control things from first five with Athies halfback Sevu Cavuilati getting the nod at No 9. Zingari Richmond midfielder Ben Fakava is at centre. Heartland Championship Cooks Gardens, 1.30pm North Otago: Ben Paton, Hopate Finau, Ben Fakava, Tini Feke, Ben McCarthy, Kenta Iemura, Seru Cavuilati, Junior Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka, Mitch Morton, Epineri Logavatu, Asaeli Ngahe, Paea Pala, Hayden Tisdall, Kelepi Funaki. Reserves: Jake Greenslade, Mateo Qolisese, Steve Salelea, Apenisa Tuiba, Cameron Rowland, Kippei Taninaka, Sevanaia Druma, Lachlan Kingan. Whanganui: Adam Bolt, Harry Symes, Ethan Robinson, Shaun O'Leary, Alekesio Vakarorogo, Dane Whale, Cody Mitchell, Douglas Horrocks, Ekenasio Fiso, Samu Kubunavanua, Ngapuke Patea, Matthew Ashworth, Ross McDonald, Matthew Picard, Tai Pulemagafa. Reserves: Alesana Tofa, Jonty Bird, Renato Tikoisolomone, Jay Tora, Jamie Hughes, Rehimana Meihana, Sheldon Pakinga, Mitai Hemi.
Otago Daily Times
6 days ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Uncertainties for Old Golds
Meads Cup or bust — that tends to be the attitude of North Otago rugby fans. Hayden Meikle looks ahead to the new Heartland Championship season. The only knowns are the unknowns. We do not know exactly what Luke Herden will bring to the table as he attempts to get the Old Golds back to the big dance in his first season as coach. We do not know how so many new North Otago players — including four from Japan, three from Dunedin clubs and one intriguing veteran with a swag of international experience — will combine in a relatively short period. We do not know how much time previous stars Kelepi Funaki, Junior Fakatoufifita and Hayden Tisdall are going to need to get back up to speed after missing last season. We do not really know whether playing at the A&P Showgrounds will provide significant home advantage or just be a reminder that the completion of the new stadium and ground layout at Centennial Park cannot come soon enough. So, if someone asks how North Otago are going to perform in the Heartland Championship this season, perhaps the easiest answer is: who knows? Herden replaces Jason Forrest, the popular and long-serving local whose time as head coach started with Meads Cup glory but ended with the Old Golds missing the playoffs for the first time in 25 years. "Spook" was an outstanding player in his time as a loanee to the north. He did it all from fullback in the great 2002 team that won the old NPC third division final. Then, when he had slowed up just a little, he was second five and captain when North Otago won the Meads Cup for the second time in 2010. The primary school deputy principal has had his thumb in plenty of coaching pies since he hung up the boots, including a year as Old Golds assistant, and certainly lacks for nothing in terms of excitement and ambition. But coaching in Heartland rugby is a tough gig. The season is both a grind — because of the travel demands — and over far too quickly, especially if you do not start well. You get relatively little time to work with your team, and it can be an immense challenge to find the right recipe when it comes to blending the aforementioned mix of cultures. When it all comes together, as it did so often for the Old Golds between 2000 and 2019, well, it can be a lot of fun. Herden's first squad is relatively light on Heartland experience, so success this season may be a measure of both his recruitment skills and his coaching staff's ability to turn talent into performance. Funaki is a 50-cap Old Golds prop and Tisdall a barrel of energy at hooker. Their return to the squad is most welcome, and when you add in Paea Palaa, Jake Greenslade and University prop Steve Salelea, you have a front row that should be just fine. Epineru Logavatu and Apenisa Tuiba have skill and grunt at lock, while Fakatoufifita, Savenaca Rabaka and newcomer Mitch Morton will hold up a loose trio missing stalwart Mat Duff. Jake Matthews, Greg Dyer and Hayden Todd were the most consistent members of the backline last season, and they are all gone. Second five Toni Feke and speedy utility Ben McCarthy provide spark, and there is excitement around the development of fullback Ben Paton. Danny Tusitala, the former Samoan test player who will be available from round two, is an intriguing prospect at halfback, as are new first five Kenta Iemura and Zingari-Richmond centre Ben Fakava. The Old Golds have struggled for consistency in recent seasons, and have also blown leads in games they might have won. Addressing both issues must be a priority for Herden. Two wins from eight games, and a lowly ninth placing, made 2024 a forgettable season for the Old Golds. In a couple of months, we will know if 2025 is destined to be remembered more fondly.
Otago Daily Times
14-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Herden believes Meads Cup attainable
Luke Herden will coach his first game in the Heartland Championship when North Otago head to Whanganui on Saturday. Herden tells Hayden Meikle why he is so excited about the chance to pilot the Old Golds back to glory. Meikle: Have you settled on a captain yet? Herden: Not just yet. But we've got a good leadership team, and we will finalise a captain or co-captains from that. There are a lot of good leaders in the team, and they all have their strengths. Speaking of strengths, what stands out when you look at your squad for this season? I feel we've got quite a balanced squad. We've got the Pasifika flair, and some Japanese players who are really sharp with their skill set around catch and pass, which will allow us to play with speed and width, and we've got tough players. We've got really grunty forwards with a good amount of skill. And any areas that might need some work in the first few weeks? We probably won't know that until we start playing. All I can say is the way we've trained, the way the team has come together ... I'm quite excited about where we can go this year, and I'm looking forward to the players showcasing their skills for the community. North Otago haven't made the Meads Cup since they won it in 2019. Are you targeting nothing less than a return to the top four? Yep. I've said to the players, and been quite honest, that I think they've got the ability to win the Meads Cup. Everything that they've shown me — in club rugby, resilience, coming together and connecting with each other — has just increased my thoughts around, yeah, we can definitely win the Meads Cup. Throw me a couple of names to watch in the Old Golds jersey this season. I think a guy who's had a massive club season, considering Kurow didn't quite make the playoffs, is Mitch Morton. He's just a rangy forward who doesn't stop. He'll go all day. Big heart, big skill set, and I'm looking forward to seeing him take the step up to Heartland level. Kelepi Funaki, Junior Fakatoufifita and Tini Feke. I'm looking forward to seeing our loan players get a crack. Ben Fakava, from Zingari, is ready-made for Heartland rugby as a stepping stone to hopefully NPC next year. And one to keep an eye on is our first five, Kenta Iemura. I look forward to seeing him go. You played in a great era for North Otago rugby. Are there any sort of lessons from that era that can translate to the 2025 campaign? Yeah, definitely. It would be all around what these players have already shown, and that's coming together and connecting. It's not a sort of glitzy, glamorous life of travel you might associate with Super Rugby. We're going to be together for hours on end on buses and at airports, and getting back to Oamaru at midnight. So how well we get along with each other and support each other and be there for each other, both on and off the field, is crucial. Back in the day, we were like that. And these boys have come together just the same. They have banter and they're enthusiastic and they help each other out. We've got that ingredient, which is crucial for a recipe of success. You loved wearing the gold jersey as a player. How do you think you will feel when the game kicks off on Saturday and your career as North Otago coach has properly begun? I've already had sleepless nights. I'm waking up at 3.30am thinking about things, ha ha. I'm just fizzing. It's been a long time since March or April when I was appointed to the role, and it's finally arrived. I'm just as, if not a little bit more, nervous than I was back in the day as a player. I'm just excited. I really do believe we can send a shiver up the country with the Heartland team we've got. But I would just like to get this weekend out of the way, and with a win.
Otago Daily Times
03-08-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
North Otago display ‘pleasing'
It was a typical preseason clash between North Otago and Otago Country on Saturday. The Old Golds ran away with the victory in the annual fixture, recording a 47-24 win over Otago Country in sunny Wanaka conditions. Ben McCarthy, who has returned from a stint overseas, bagged two tries off the bench for North Otago, while Otago Country hooker Keegan Ferguson snatched a brace on debut. The Old Golds opened through winger Hopoate Finau, but Country's forwards rolled up their sleeves and got to work. The home side's set piece was strong with their lineout helping halfback Josh Cook get into space, throw a dummy, and get Country on the board. The Old Golds forwards started to find some space with back-to-back tries, but Country's strong scrum helped Ferguson grab his first. His opposite, Hayden Tisdall, scored before halftime to give the Old Golds a 28-12 lead. Otago Country came out of the sheds with big intent, retaining possession and closed the gap with Ferguson's second. Both teams brought on reinforcements off the bench, opening up the game, and the Old Golds ran in three tries in the final quarter. North Otago coach Luke Herden said it was a quality game considering both sides' limited preparations. "Otago Country were always going to be tough and never go away," Herden said. "We scored two or three good tries in the first half, and we sort of let Otago Country back into the game with ... our mistakes. "But when we did get our game going, we were really effective, and really happy with how that all went. "I thought our game drivers did pretty well, especially in that first half. "We managed to play with width at times, very accurately as well, and overall the whole team's decision-making was pleasing. That was good." Otago Country now turn their attention to the Tuppy Diack Shield. They head to Lawrence this weekend to meet Dunedin Metro South in their opening game in the inaugural competition. North Otago have the week off — "we'll take this week to get our systems and structures all fine-tuned" — ahead of the Heartland season getting under way next weekend. They open their campaign against Heartland powerhouses Whanganui away next Saturday. Preseason game The scores North Otago 47 Ben McCarthy 2, Hopoate Finau, Mitch Morton, Savenaca Rabaka, Hayden Tisdall, Matia Qiolevu tries; Kenta Iemura 4 con, Isaac Clunie 2 con Otago Country 24 Keegan Ferguson 2, Joshua Cook, Sam Wyber tries; Jared Hayes 2 con Halftime: North Otago 24-12.
