While it is only the second match for Canterbury in the Air New Zealand Cup this weekend, it has become an increasingly important one for them.

A victory against Otago on Saturday is vital if Canterbury is going to start to build some momentum. 

Travelling to Dunedin is never easy for Canterbury teams. Think back to 1987, for example, when the high-flying red and blacks travelled south and were upset by an equally determined but unfancied Otago side.

Yet despite the loss to Manawatu and the difficult history between the two unions in Dunedin, expect a much better performance from Canterbury this weekend.

While some might see the loss to Manawatu as not boding well for the rest of the season, there were plenty of signs that this Canterbury side is one to watch.

The team may not have been as accurate as it would have liked, yet it still put together some outstanding movements in the backs that resulted in points.

Midfielder Tim Bateman was outstanding in the middle of the park last weekend, displaying a full array of passing and kicking skills.

Meanwhile, half-back Tyson Keats showed that he is more than comfortable playing at this level. He was always dangerous with the ball in hand, while his defence was outstanding. He will be a key figure in this week’s game.

Adam Whitelock also had an impressive debut and will look to continue his development against an Otago side that narrowly beat the always gutsy Southland away from home.

The results in the first round of the competition proved that there are no firm favourites this season. As a result, any side will fancy their chances regardless of who they are playing. Canterbury’s loss is, therefore, not the end of the world at this stage of the season. It is merely a sign that there is work to be done by the squad this week.

Otago has as much to play for as Canterbury. They have so far this season slipped under the radar and this may work in their favour.

In Craig Newby they have a player and a captain who is one of the best in the competition. An old-fashioned loose forward, Newby commands respect from both his players and opponents alike and he will be a key individual in this match.

Yet there are other Otago players to watch. Lock Tom Donnelly should be a key individual in the line-out.

Fellow lock Ross Kennedy (son for former Canterbury player and now Taranaki coach Adrian Kennedy) will be another looking to make his mark on the Otago scene in his first full season for the province.

In the backs, centre Brett Mather is also one to watch. Mather (who played a lot of his rugby with the New Brighton club) will be looking to cement the number 13 jersey this season and his battle with equally promising Adam Whitelock will be a beauty.

Half-back Sean Romans also has a local link in that he is the son of former Canterbury and NZ Universities half-back Mark Romans. If he starts, his battle with Keats on Saturday promises to be one of the most hotly contested.

South Island derbies are always closely-fought. With just one round gone in the competition, it is difficult to predict just what patterns these two teams will play. Yet like all matches, this game will be won up front and in this area Canterbury will be looking for significant improvement.

With the competition this season being so close, nothing is a given. While Canterbury lost last weekend, there were enough positive signs to suggest that this is going to be an exciting and rewarding season for them.

While it is too early in the season for them to display any sort of desperation, New Zealand rugby fans know that a bit of desperation isn’t always a bad thing.

The Canterbury team to play Otago in the Air New Zealand Cup at Carisbrook, Dunedin on Saturday 9 August, kick-off 2.35pm is:

15. Paul Williams
14. Scott Hamilton
13. Adam Whitelock
12. Tim Bateman
11. James Paterson
10. Colin Slade
9. Tyson Keats
8. Mose Tuiali’i
7. Hayden Hopgood
6. Kieran Read (c)
5. Isaac Ross
4. Michael Paterson
3. Campbell Johnstone
2. Ti’i Paulo
1. Wyatt Crockett

Run on reserves:

16. Steve Fualau
17. Owen Franks
18. James Broadhurst
19. George Whitelock
20. Steve Alfeld
21. Ryan Crotty
22. Kosuke Endo