The annual match between Town and Country will be played tonight under lights at Maheno.

Following the match, North Otago coaches Jason Forrest and Nick Anderson will announce the North Otago premier rugby squad to prepare for the Ranfurly Shield challenge against Otago, in Oamaru on July 26.

The North Otago squad for the shield challenge, however, will consist of just North Otago players. Loan players, if required, could be named before the

Heartland competition starts on August 24, when North Otago travels to Timaru to take on South Canterbury.

After the Ranfurly Shield challenge, the only other game after the Citizens Shield final in early July will be one against Otago Country, on August 17.

One position that will have plenty of competition is that of halfback. Incumbent Robbie Smith is overseas and will not play in tonight's fixture.

In all, six other premier halfbacks have been named.

In the Town side, a Frenchman, Anthony Arty (Athletic Marist), will make an appearance along with Inoke Naufahu (Old Boys) and Tarn Crow (Excelsior).

In the Country line-up are Glen Sturgess (Valley), Ryley McColl (Maheno) and a Japanese newcomer, Tatsuya Hamano. He impressed with his clearances from behind the Kurow forwards last week.

Two of North Otago's rugby centurions, Ralph Darling and Lemi Masoe, will be on the sideline as coaches for the Town side and presumably available for the Heartland competition.

Town v Country,
Maheno, tonight, 7pm

Town Forwards: Tom Shields, Will Sunderland, Kelepi Funaki, Epineri Logavatu, P J Tili, Manu Taiti, Matt Duff, Sami Tongotongo. Backs: Anthony Arty, Inoke Naufahu, Kayne Middleton, Andrew Fauoo, Etenev Gucate, Tayne Russell, Patrick Pati.
Reserves: Jamie Rhodes, Karl Cunningham, Alipate Tui’Pulotu, Taani Vaitohi, Tarn Crow.

Country Forwards: Logan Dunlop, Jake Greenslade, Tonga Malafu, Max Smith, Blake Welsh, Cameron Newlands, Johannes Heunis, Josh Hayward.
Backs: Tatsuya Hamano, Lachie Kingan,  Forrest  Beer, Jacob Day, Clement Gasca, Jason Angland, Cannan Elvines.
Reserves: Robbie Richardson, Bailey Templeton, Ryley McColl, Sam McDonald, Glen Sturgess.

 - Terry O'Neill