Northland to test Stags' defence

It has been evident in recent years the Stags have looked to use the ball with width on attack and play a higher-risk approach than those who have come before them in the Southland colours.

That, though, is not why the boys in maroon have become the darlings of New Zealand provincial rugby, with the Ranfurly Shield tucked away and a five-from-five win record to date this year.

It has been that water-tight defence that has won Southland countless games in recent seasons and the stats don't lie.

During the 2009 and the 2010 seasons, Southland have conceded just one four-try bonus point.

The Stags have had their line crossed 24 times in the past 21 games they have played – an average of just 1.14 tries per game.

Those who put the defensive systems in place have got it right and the players possess the key element to any good defensive side – attitude.

It is the will and want to get up off the ground after one tackle to make another tackle, and it is a desire to not let their mate beside them down by letting someone slip through their grasp.

But after all these big pats on the back, there must be a reality check.

All the teams the Stags have rolled over to date this season have been useful on attack. However, Northland are looming as the biggest challenge for the Southland defence to date in 2010.

Northland will enter this war in Whangarei armed with some explosive artillery.

Wing Rene Ranger is one of the strongest runners out wide in New Zealand. Centre Jared Payne hits holes well and 35-year-old first five-eighth David Howell still possesses the ability to put people like Payne through those holes.

Southland should be much too good up front for Northland today but the Whangarei boys in the backline need only scraps to work with to be effective.

The systems and attitude that have been the backbone of Southland's defence must be rolled out today if they are to return home with another win.

THE TEAMS

Southland: Glen Horton, Tony Koonwaiyou, Kendrick Lynn, Matt Saunders, James Paterson, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, Kane Thompson, Tim Boys, Dion Bates, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Brayden Mitchell, Jamie Mackintosh. Reserves: Jason Rutledge, Micheal Peterson, Elliot Dixon, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Seminar Manu, Mark Wells.

Northland: Lachie Munro, Rene Ranger, Jared Payne, Aaron Bancroft, Iwi Hauraki, David Holwell, Rhyan Caine, Cameron Eyre, Dan Pryor, Dean Budd, Mark Burman, Pat O'Connor, Bronson Murray, Tim Dow, Matt Wallis. Reserves: Mikaele Tuu'u, Ross Wright, Roy Griffin, Cam Coodhue, Luke Hamilton, Aden Dewes, Mateo Malupo.wKickoff: 5.30pm, today in Whangarei.

- © Fairfax NZ News