SOUTHLAND

Southland winger AMANAKI NICOLE looks for support. Southland captain TONY LAMBORN on attack.

SOUTHLAND: FIFTH LAST YEAR

Southland gained back some much-needed confidence last season with their best performance in years.

Recent times have been rather grim for the proud Stags – highlighted by their 2017 and 2018 seasons when they did not win a game. Under new head coach Dale MacLeod, they bounced back with three wins and brought the crowds and smiles back to Rugby Park. MacLeod says it should have been even better had they won their last two games against teams below them on the table. “I was really happy with the first eight weeks of the comp. I was really disappointed how we finished the season and there were a few reasons for that. “But as a group we have really grown around what the jersey meant to put on and I think that was the biggest shift. We went from the worst defensive team across all Premiership and Championship teams to the best defensive record in letting in tries. “That showed we have made some big shifts around our mindset but we will not be taking that for granted this year.” The return of cult hero Marty Banks from Japan will ensure plenty of early season attention for the Stags. The 31-year-old is a quality first-five who adds depth to the position alongside the capable Marty McKenzie and Greg Dyer. Former Highlanders halfback Josh Renton is another new signing for the season and joins Lisati Milo-Harris from the Chiefs and Liam Howley. “We have three good tens and three good nines, which is great. We are trying to build competition within our whole group,” says MacLeod. Versatile Ben Fotheringham is back after missing the 2020 season through injury. He is a huge plus for the Stags as he can cover lock and all three loose-forwards positions. Southland has the smallest player budget out of any NPC province and one of the smallest player pools to pick from. An injury crisis among the props in the region is the last thing they need. But the Stags still have some quality props in Joe Walsh, Chris Apoua, Tom Ross imported from the Brumbies, and Paula Latu. MacLeod says loosehead prop Ethan de Groot making the All Blacks is a massive boost to Southland rugby. “Everyone says you can’t make it from Southland, you have to shift away, but we are part of the Highlanders and we are making good progress. We want to become a genuine pathway, so we need more boys in the Highlanders. “Ethan has sort of kicked the door open a bit for us. He was always destined to be something special. The traits he has got, you just can’t coach.” Blues flanker Tony Lamborn will again captain the Stags.

COACH: DALE MACLEOD CAPTAIN: TONY LAMBORN HOME GROUND: RUGBY PARK STADIUM, INVERCARGILL TICKETS: www.ticketek.co.nz ADDRESS: 8 SURREY PARK ROAD, GLENGARRY,

INVERCARGILL

PHONE: 03 216 8694 WEBSITE: www.rugbysouthland.co.nz EMAIL: reception@rugbysouthland.co.nz TAB ODDS: SOUTHLAND $23.00