The lowdown - Waikato go into the game as raging favourites following their opening round win against Taranaki and after Graham Henry gifted them three All Blacks.
The problem, if you can call it that, for Mooloo coach Warren Gatland has been fitting them in and Marty Holah will take
up his all-too-familiar position riding the rimu and Sitiveni Sivivatu's injury is still not right.
Southland put up a gutsy effort at home to Canterbury last weekend before being overrun in the final 20 minutes. They face a similarly difficult task today and might hope the southerly brewing south of the country rips through the Homestead Stadium earlier than forecast.
Where it will be won and lost - Although Southland have a decent forward pack, Waikato have strength and depth across the park and should hold the upper hand in the backs. Sivivatu's absence will be felt but, with the likes of Sosene Anesi and Richard Kahui waiting out wide, it would be a crime if promising first five-eighths Stephen Donald doesn't try to unshackle his flyers. Southland have picked a pacy loose trio in the hope of countering that.
Key players - Paul Miller is the immovable force of the Southland forward pack and he will no doubt lock enormous horns with the equally sizable Sione Lauaki.
Miller was an All Black in 2002, Lauaki could be an All Black for years to come.
Interesting fact - Lauaki might have played 20 games for the Chiefs as well as four times for the All Blacks but today's match will see him make his debut for the Mooloo men.
Southland: James Wilson, Ben Smith, Watisoni Lotawa, Pehi Te Whare, Faolua Muliaina, Matt Petre, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Tim Boys, Kane Thompson, Hoani Macdonald, Hale T-Pole, Jayden Murch, David Hall, Clarke Dermody (c). Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Kent Anderson, Rees Logan, Daniel Quate, Adam Clarke, Ryan Smith, Mana Harrison.
Waikato: - Sosene Anesi, Richard Kahui, Mark Ranby, David Hill, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Stephen Donald, Isaac Boss, Steven Bates (c), Liam Messam, Sione Lauaki, Sean Hohneck, Toby Lynn, Deacon Manu, Scott Linklater, Sam Biddles. Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Philemon Toleafoa, Mark Burman, Marty Holah, Brendon Leonard, Derek Maisey, Dwayne Sweeney.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
The lowdown - Waikato go into the game as raging favourites following their opening round win against Taranaki and after Graham Henry gifted them three All Blacks.
The problem, if you can call it that, for Mooloo coach Warren Gatland has been fitting them in and Marty Holah will take
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