Sport + Motorsport
Thirteen debutants. One historic milestone. Southland rugby hasn't seen a team sheet like this in a while.
The SBS Bank Southland Stags have named their side to face Otago at Rugby Park this Saturday, with kick-off at 5.05pm — and it's a significant occasion. The match will be the 250th clash between the two provinces.
Sean Withy will captain the side. The squad includes 13 players making their Southland debuts: Sef Fa'agase, Clem Halaholo, Jimmy Taylor, Hayata Taniyama, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Glen Vaihu, Jayden Henderson, Jack Barrett, Kasaloma Ahokovi, Konrad Toleafoa, Charlie Marsh, Josh Jennings and Sloane Lankshear.
That's more than half the starting-23 pulling on the jersey for the first time. Whether that's a sign of a squad being rebuilt or a depth chart finally bearing fruit will become clearer by full-time.
The full 23 named to face Otago: Jack Sexton, Jack Taylor, Sef Fa'agase, Mitchell Dunshea, Alefosio Aho, Clem Halaholo, Sean Withy, Sam Fischli, Nic Shearer, Jimmy Taylor, Hayata Taniyama, Scott Gregory, Jay Reihana, Michael Manson, Glen Vaihu, Jayden Henderson, Jack Barrett, Paula Latu, Kasaloma Ahokovi, Konrad Toleafoa, Charlie Marsh, Josh Jennings, Sloane Lankshear.
Weekend Gig Guide - Stags Day Edition
Stags Day is on Saturday — the 250th game between Southland and Otago at Rugby Park, and every pub in town is falling in behind it. King Kapisi & Friends headline The Shack from 6:30pm. Waxy’s, Speight’s and Ascot Sports Bar are locking down the after-parties, and Ascot’s even laid on
Anna Logue
What, When, Where: Saturday August 1, Rugby Park, Invercargill. Kick-off 5.05pm. Rugby Park for Stag Day vs Otago – the 250th meeting between these two proud sides. Get your tickets NOW and pack the park with 10K for Stag Day.Tickets: Online at Ticketek, the Civic Theatre booking office, or at the gate.
Adults just $20 and two kids (13 and under) go free with a paying adult.premier.ticketek.co.nz/shows/Show.aspx?sh=STAGGAM126
Gates open at 2pm for a 2.30pm curtain raiser featuring Power Farming Southland Country vs Otago Metro South, in round one of the Tuppy Diack Shield competition. Then the big one, SBS Southland Stags vs Otago at 5.05pm, playing for the Donald Stuart Memorial Shield.
There’ll be live music throughout the afternoon from Brenny and the Bushwhackers, entertainment, giveaways, the legendary Undie 500, and a huge crowd of thousands expected. It’s going to be a historic day you don't want to miss!
