South Canterbury coach Barry Matthews never dreamed his side would finish in top spot in the Heartland Championships after the end of the round robin.

Matthews said his goal, in his first year in charge of the team, was to make the top four.

The rise from sixth place last year is an impressive one considering the bulk of the team is the same.

"Someone said we were the sleeping giants of the competition, so hopefully we are awake now."

Matthews said after the first round loss to Mid Canterbury, not in his wildest dreams did think the side would win seven in a row.

"I guess that is quite a big feat but our job isn't over yet."

One real positive was the way the team had handled the pressure over the past few weeks, he said.

South Canterbury host Wairarapa Bush on Saturday in the semi-final and will start hot favourites.

Matthews said he had been a favourite before (with North Otago) in a Meads Cup semi and fell over.

"It is a good competition, you can take nothing for granted."

An astute tactician Matthews however leaves nothing to chance.

He works hard on defensive systems and studies in detail DVDs of his opposition.

Matthews also makes sure every individual knows their core roles and what is expected in a team environment.

Each players has his own work-ons from new boys to veterans, co-captains to those on the bench.

The coach puts the team's success down to several factors.

"I guess their has been a culture change, everyone's fitter than they were last year and they are buying into the systems."

"We have 26 players going in one direction and their is real unity in the team despite the fact some are fighting for positions."

Matthews admits he is somewhat of a perfectionist and at times can get a "bit grumpy".

"We also have a few laughs and I think some of the boys are finally getting my sense of humour."

Matthews also credits his management team as a huge part of their success.

"Cedric Coll is awesome, he's old school but get things done."

"Macca (Grant McFarlane) is great to work with, he gets the boys going."

Assistant manager Nathan Archibald, trainer Gavin Miller and physio Geoff Thompson were also part of the success, he said.

Coll and McFarlane were part of the last South Canterbury side that tasted real success.

Back in 2001 they had the same positions under coach Steve Tarrant and the side won the third division.

Matthews said he believed his side could beat Wairarapa Bush if they showed the same patience with the ball and stayed in their structures and systems.

"It won't be easy, they took it to us in Masterton."

South Canterbury Rugby Union historian Jeremy Sutherland said it was superb Timaru would host a Meads Cup semi and he is expecting a final.

"This is the biggest game since the win in 2001. The Lochore Cup was good in our centenary year but this is bigger.' 

Sutherland said their seemed a similar attitude around the team that was there in 2001.

"I don't think that is a fluke when you see some of the same characters involved."

Sutherland said his dream final would be South Canterbury versus Mid Canterbury.

"That would certainly fill the ground with plenty of colour and supporters."