Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs

Otago missed the playoffs. Hayden Meikle takes a look at the highs and lows of Otago's season.

Otago beat Tasman, Hawke’s Bay and Southland in storm week. The 27-20 win over Waikato on September 18 was Otago's best performance.

Otago lost 32-26 to Wellington in Wellington. Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs.  Auckland at Eden Park was a bit grim.

Sam Gilbert, Cam Millar and Henry Bell are the best players of the season. The Otago hooker had a breakthrough season and his work-rate and aggression with the ball were top-level.

Fabian Holland showed why he is so exciting. Thomas Umaga-Jensen and Josh Timu had their moments in midfield. Jermaine Ainsley, Will Tucker and captain James Lentjes were good value in the pack.

Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs. New Zealand under-20 loose forward Oliver Haig looks a real prospect.

Otago played some lovely rugby in patches and scored some fabulous tries. The future looks bright for Otago with some young talent coming through and the likes of Holland and Millar set to be key men for a long time.

A squad with that many Super Rugby players should not be missing out on the generous NPC playoffs system.

Some players with Super Rugby pedigree might be guilty of a bit of coasting in the NPC.

Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs. Kieran McClea proved he was the best halfback in Otago.

Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs. Otago needs to find more damaging ball-carriers to complement the tradesmen.

Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs. Tom Donnelly has to convince the decision-makers he should continue as coach.

Otago had too much talent to miss playoffs.