SOUTHLAND

SOUTHLAND’s JOSH MOORBY takes on the Tasman defence. ISAAC SALMON on the charge for the STAGS.

The prospect of former stalwarts Josh Bekhuis and Morgan Mitchell wearing the maroon Southland Stags jersey again in 2022 is a huge boost to the province.

Bekhuis returns after playing in Japan. The 36-year-old lock has played 115 games for the Stags. Head coach Dale MacLeod says having his experience back is great news ahead of the new campaign. “The experience and hardened professional edge that he will bring and pass onto our younger players will be invaluable. It's important we get the balance right between our experience and youth blend.” Quality tighthead props are hard to find at all levels of rugby but particularly so when you have the small playing resources that Southland have to select from.

So, the return to the Stags of 28-year-old Mitchell is a massive lift to the team. The 123kg tighthead played his 50th and last game for Southland in 2019 before heading overseas. MacLeod is obviously excited to have him back in a Southland jersey. “He was a standout in his last season. He brings a no-nonsense attitude to our forward pack and this is something that is needed if we are to compete with the best teams in the comp and make the semis in 2022. If the Stags deliver on the field, then don’t be surprised if Morgy is playing Super Rugby in 2023.” The Stags have some quality in their front-row stocks. High-profile loosehead prop Ethan de Groot may well be available for the season after missing out on All Blacks selection in June. Another loosehead, Joe Walsh, the most capped player on show last season with 53 appearances, is well-established down south after shifting from Waikato in 2016. Locks Caleb Aperahama, Ben Morris and Grayson Knapp, loose forwards Arese Poliko and Charles Alaimalo, and loosehead prop Niko Manaena are all younger talent on the rise. Hookers Flynn Thomas and Jacob Payne will need to step-up with the loss of experienced rake Greg Pleasants-Tate, who is out with a broken ankle. In the backline, one of Southland’s favourite sons is returning in 2022 after nearly a decade away in Japan. Gifted first-five/fullback Robbie Robinson is now 32 but still a talented ball-runner and tactically very smart. Watch out for 21-year-old flyer Michael Manson on debut if he gets some clear space to run. The outside back, who was a star at secondary school level, is one of the fastest playing the game with a personal best time of 10.8 seconds over 100 metres. Cult hero Marty Banks is a quality first-five, while experienced outside back Solomon Alaimalo makes a welcome return to rugby after taking a year away from the game to focus on his mental health.

COACH: DALE MacLEOD HOME GROUND:

RUGBY PARK STADIUM, INVERCARGILL

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