Stags Face Otago in Historic 250th Match

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, Tuidraki Samusamuvodre, Michael Manson, Glen Vaihu, Jayden Henderson, Jack Barrett, Paula Latu, Kasaloma Ahokovi, Konrad Toleafoa, Charlie Marsh, Josh Jennings, Sloane Lankshear.

Saturday August 1, Rugby Park, Invercargill. Kick-off 5.05pm.