Not sure how much interest there is in this game, but on Thursday night (NZT) Southland have their 6th Ranfurly Shield defense of the year, against Auckland. The two teams have been named as follows: (
http://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/...t-Stags-holding-on-to-shield-against-Auckland)
Southland:
Glen Horton, Mark Wells, Tony Koonwaiyou, Matt Saunders, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, Kane Thompson, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain).
Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Nick Barrett, Alex Ryan, Dion Bates, Sony Rangitoheriri, Seminar Manu, Pehi Te Whare.
Auckland:
Brent Ward, Dave Thomas, Benson Stanley, Jamie Helleur, Chay Raui, Matt Berquist, Toby Morland, Peter Saili, Daniel Braid, Onosa'i Auva'a, Andrew Van der Heijden, Kurtis Haiu, Charlie Faumuina, Tom McCartney, John Afoa .
Reserves: Ash Dixon, Angus Ta'avao, Liaki Moli, Sean Polwart, Brenton Helleur, Gareth Anscombe, Winston Stanley.
I'm expecting it to be a close game - Southland is currently leading the competition, with Auckland in second place. The weather in Invercargill has been pretty bad over the last few days - the roof of Southland's indoor sports venue collapsed under the weight of snow several days ago, while two days ago about 100 volunteers manually shoveled six inches of snow off Rugby Park Stadium. Apparently there has been little snow over the last day or two, but snow is again scheduled for tomorrows match.
The Southland team has one major change, with the omission of centre Kenny Lynn who has undergone groin surgery and is out for the year - he is a major loss, as he's been by far their best attacking player all year long. Tony Koonwaiyou moves into centre, with Mark Wells taking his spot on the wing. The Auckland team will welcome back All Blacks Benson Stanley and John Afoa into their starting lineup, as well as Onosa'i Auva'a and Chay Raui who have recovered from injury.
I'm expecting that Southland will attempt to get forward dominance and control the game, as the weather is certainly not going to favour expansive rugby. Southland has, however, struggled at scrum time over the last few weeks, and may struggle again against the big Auckland front row. Overall I'm expecting Southland to win a very close game, by about 5 points.