Preparing an inspirational team talk after coming off a loss is a rare event for an Upper Clutha premier club rugby coach, but Mark Evans knows what is required ahead of tomorrow’s White Horse Cup clash with Wakatipu at Wānaka.

Before going down to Cromwell last Saturday, Upper Clutha had won 13 matches in a row and, incredibly, 50 of their previous 54 contests across four seasons.

Three of those losses were to Wakatipu, most recently in 2024.

Coach Evans credits Cromwell first-five, goalkicker and playmaker Brayden Laing for the victory and admits the loss was an important wake-up call for many of his players.

“The new fellows in the squad now know they’re involved in a tough competition.…