Interesting there are two Japanese internationals in that squad.
Actually three - though Justin Ives isn't the most Japanese of names
Otago coach Tony Brown obviously made some good connections when he was in Japan! Tanaka and Horie are both high quality players, and were in my opinion the pick of Japan's players at the Rugby World Cup. Both are obviously keen to play rugby in New Zealand - they came to Dunedin a couple of months ago without guaranteed contracts and had to play club rugby to earn themselves a place in the squad.
I'm actually pretty happy with that squad. There is some good young talent, mixed with a number of proven players. I think there are far less 'journeyman players' in this squad than in recent years - the squad may not succeed this season, but it has the building block of a very competitive squad in years to come.
The biggest weaknesses in the squad is our tight-fve. Jacob Ellison is serviceable at this level, and Manson looked ok for Otago at times last season. Tuirirangi is an interesting inclusion. He has been around for years (he played a number of seasons for Taranaki), but I've never really rated him - at least he will bring experience. Don't know much about our 4th prop (Seiuli), I wonder whether we may see Kees Meeuws suit up again this season
We are very strong at hooker - our top two hookers have very contrasting styles too. Horie is quite small but incredibly dynamic with ball in hand, while Coltman is a much bigger player (he used to be a tighthead prop) who is a very strong scrummager (though I hope he has been working on his lineout throwing). Because of Coltman's scrummaging I'd start him at hooker with Horie providing impact off the bench, but even with Coltman at hooker I expect our scrum to be going backwards most weeks. Sam Heather-Anderson is another handy hooker should either Coltman or Horie get injured.
Our lock are ok - it is good to see Verbakel back from Scotland as he is a solid player, as is Ives. Franklin has some talent too, but he hasn't really stepped up to ITM Cup level yet. We don't really have an other options after those three, which is a bit of a concern - I think we will miss the physicality Ramsey brought last season, and Tom Donnelly's lineout prowess.
Our loose forwards are arguably our strongest asset this season. If Joubert stays fit for more than a couple of matches it will be a massive boost, as he can be quite inspiration as captain. He is backed up at 7 by Hugh Blake, who had a very strong Under 20's tournament. There is a possibility Otago may play dual opensides with Joubert and Blake especially if we play a very expansive game plan (which I think we need to). Thomson is obviously outstanding at this level, but probably wont get many matches if he away with the AB's. Ioane is another good player at this level - he is very quick and powerful with ball in hand, and hopefully he has been working on his ball control and tackling over the summer. Evans has the potential to be a top class number 8 (or 6), and I feel he was unlucky to miss out on a Highlanders contract last season. He has superb ball skills, a good eye for the gap, great speed, and does the basics very well - he reminds me so much of Kieran Read. We seem to have plenty of cover in the loose-forwards too, with Hill, Grant, and Allen also in the squad (not sure why we need 7 loosies but only 3 locks?).
I have no doubt Otago will have the smallest halfback pairing in New Zealand rugby, if not world rugby! Both Tanaka and Brad Weber are tiny - they make Aaron Smith look like Brad Thorn! Despite being similar in stature they are quite different players which I think is good: Tanaka is a superb passing halfback, while Weber is an exceptional running halfback (he is a phenomenal sevens player). I'd look to start Tanaka and have Weber come off the bench to exploit tired defenses with 20 mins to go.
I hope Otago gives Hayden Parker at good shot at 10. He struggled a bit last season backing up Tony Brown, but he certainly has some talent. Dickson is the other option at 10, but I don't think he is ever going to be anything more than a solid ITM Cup player, and he may well be require at fullback (if Smith is away with the AB's) or at 12. Ellison is quality in the midfield, but I suspect he (like Smith and Thomson) will be away with the AB's for most of the season. I'm not convinced about out other midfield options - Spence didn't really impress me last season, and though Moffat is a very good Sevens player, and Collins tremendous promise (he is still only 18 I think), both are rookies.
Popoali'i is obviously quality at this level, but apart from him there isn't much experience in the outside backs (assuming Smith is with the AB's). Faddes and Suckling (and possibly Moffat) are probably competing for one wing spot - I quite like the look of Faddes so I wouldn't mind him getting a few starts this season. Interesting to see Peter Breen chosen as a fullback - he is a good goal-kicker and a pretty reliable player, but I would have though Liam Edwards (as mentioned by Jabby) would have been given a chance. Like Breen he is a top quality goal-kicker, but he is far more elusive, has genuine pace, and is a few years younger (Edwards would be around 20, while Breen would be 24-25).
