From Logan Savory Southland Times today .............
Excitement after Stags squad naming
Stags co-coach Simon Culhane admits there was a sense of excitment hovering over the squad yesterday as he revealed the 22 who will play the first Ranfurly Shield game in Invercargill in 51 years.
Culhane and his coaching side-kick David Henderson had several factors to take into account when formulating who they would field against North Otago on Friday night.
They were conscious of managing certain players' workloads, and of trying certain combinations leading into the provincial season, but were especially aware of the fact they were selecting a team to defend the Ranfurly Shield.
Yesterday's team-naming does not answer all the questions as to what is the Stags coaching duo's preferred choices for the season but it does give an indication as to which players have impressed recently in club rugby.
James Wilson looked to be on the outer late last year when he was not offered a contract by Rugby Southland following an indifferent 2009 provincial season.
However, the bulky first five-eighth has clawed his way back into the Stags through some good performances for Blues during the club season.
He has showed a real willingness to mix it up on defence and as usual his general kicking has been good.
"He's worked hard to get back and get a contract [with Rugby Southland], he deserves his chance," Culhane said yesterday.
Wilson will start at first five-eighth with the other 2010 pivot candidate Robbie Robinson named on the bench.
Robinson is carrying a minor ankle injury and has been bracketed with his Woodlands team-mate John Dodd.
The other player who has squeezed his way into the Southland setup through an excellent club season is Star halfback Nick Annear.
The 19-year-old former New Zealand secondary schools player was playing for the University Colts side in Christchurch last year but a move south has turned to gold with him named in the Stags 22 for a historic Ranfurly Shield fixture.
"He has got a snappy pass but we've also been impressed with him when he runs, and his decision-making," Culhane said.
With Matt Saunders ruled out through injury, Seminar Manu will get the first shot at trying to cement the No12 jersey for the 2010 provincial season.
Meanwhile, Henderson rolled out a familiar-looking forward pack to play North Otago.
Everyone, bar Hua Tamariki, started in the Ranfurly Shield win against Canterbury, even Tamariki himself played a major hand in the win in Christchurch when he come on for starting No8 David Hall who left the field injured.
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Tim Boys has been named to start on the openside flank but is in doubt because of a hand injury.
If he is forced out he will be replaced by Dion Bates and lock Alex Ryan will be brought onto the bench.
However, to complicate matters further, Ryan is also carrying an ankle injury, which may prompt Marist's Ben Nally to be called in.
Five players are set to get their first first-class Southland cap on Friday night.
James Paterson is the only debutant in the starting 15 while Elliot Dixon, Nic Barrett, Annear, and Nick McGrath could get their first first-class cap from the bench.
McGrath has been bracketed on the bench with Tony Koonwaiyou who has a shin injury.
STAGS: Glen Horton, Mark Wells, Pehi Te Whare, Seminar Manu, James Paterson, James Wilson, Scott Cowan, Hua Tamariki, Tim Boys/Dion Bates, John Hardie, Josh Bekhuis, Joe Tuineau, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (c). Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Nic Barrett, Alex Ryan/Dion Bates, Elliot Dixon, Nick Annear, Robbie Robinson/John Dodd, Tony Koonwaiyou/Nick McGrath.
To follow.....
Friday 9th July v. North Otago (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
Friday 23rd July v. Wanganui (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
The Stags 2010 ITM Cup Draw is as follows:
Saturday 31st July v. Manawatu FMG Stadium 2.:35pm
Saturday 7th August v. Otago (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 4:35pm
Saturday 14th August v. Counties Manukau (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 5:30pm
Sunday 22nd August v. Hawke's Bay McLean Park 4:35pm
Friday 27th August v. Tasman Lansdowne Park 7:35pm
Saturday 4th September v. Northland Northland Events Centre 5:30pm
Friday 10th September v. North Harbour (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
Thursday 16th September v. Waikato Waikato Stadium 7:35pm
Thursday 23rd September v. Auckland (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
Saturday 2nd October v. Taranaki Yarrow Stadium 7:35pm
Saturday 9th October v. Canterbury (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
Saturday 16th October v. Bay of Plenty Baypark Stadium 2:35pm
Saturday 23rd October v. Wellington (RS) Rugby Park Stadium 7:35pm
Quite a daunting challeng list. Southland will have done wonders if they have held it this long!
Cheers,
Baz
