Central will be looking to reverse the result from last year in Cromwell when it looked to be in control, only for Southern to come charging back to win 37-24.
There is a new coaching team of Richard Pledger, Jason Clarke and Garth Swann while, on the field, two veterans will lead the team — captain Aiden Winter at No8 and vice-captain Ben Purvis at fullback.
The side has promising newcomers such as the Maniototo pair of lock Willie Miller and second five-eighth Angus Gibb.
Miller, who played for last year’s champion Dunedin club, Kaikorai, has made a good impression since linking up with his home club this season. Gibb, who continues to shine, will be well served by the Upper Clutha half pairing of former Whanganui halfback Willie Short and the experienced Jai Baxter.
Given its fair share of ball, in-form outside backs Matt Holmes, Isaac Rayworth and Kapa Moeke have the ability to bust tackles and score from anywhere on the park.
Clyde Earnscleugh hooker Blair van der Voort from is also a player to watch as is Cromwell blindside flanker Daniel Hurring.
George Ravula and Brett Anderson complete a solid front three with van der Voort while the impressive Keegan O’Donnell pairs up with Miller to provide an exciting second row.
Head coach Pledger said he was excited at the opportunity the coaching team had in stepping up after being in charge of the development team for the past three seasons and was happy with the preparation.
He said his side was "keen to go down there and have a real crack at reversing the result from last season."
But he understands it would be a tough challenge playing Southern at home.
Topp Cup
Central squad
George Ravula, Blair van der Voort, Brett Anderson, Willie Millar, Keegan O’Donnell, Daniel Hurring, Fraser Dowling, Aiden Winter (captain), Willie Short, Jai Baxter, Matt Holmes, Angus Gibb, Kapa Moeke, Isaac Rayworth, Ben Purvis, Ben Carr, Tim O’Neil, George Reed, Sam Pringle, Josh Brazier, Matt Griffiths, Clayton Buchanan