The Topp Cup challenge between Central Otago and South Otago is set to kick off today at Anderson Park in Cromwell with both sides aiming for the win and the historic piece of silverware.
South Otago holds the Cup, which it won last season in Milton, 26-11, but faces a tough ask this year away from home.
Southern coach Marty Hurring has picked six debutants to don the pale blue shirt, one of those being exciting fullback Adam Mackie who was a member of the South Otago High School First XV last season.
The rest of the South Otago backline looks strong, especially the Lawrence three-quarter pairing of Lex Kaleca and Sonny Vakaruru. Clutha Valley's Lachie Moore will be a handful at second five-eighth while No 10 Sam Young is a class act.
In the forwards, long-time Central loose forward Simon Grant has returned to his home town and will line up for South Otago this year.
He along with Mark Homer should provide some impetus in the pack.
Central coach Lindsay Breen looks to have gone for solidity rather than flair in his starting line-up, although Wakatipu's Tom Kelly and his midfield partner Sam Gibbens might have something to say about that.
Charlie Hore will be the key player for Central at first five-eighth while the battle between Fijian wingers, Vakaruru and Cromwell's Charlie Tiko will be intriguing.
The Central forward pack has an added bonus of All Black Tom Donnelly named at lock although whether the Matakanui man plays or not is still unclear.
Central loosies, Wakatipu's one-time Otago triallist Ben Blakely and Arrowtown skipper Aiden Winter, will be a handful.
A blip in preparations for the match is a broken nose to Arrowtown No 8 Ben Chisholm, although his replacement, Dan Iosefo, is a strong player.
The game is also a one-off trial for the Otago Country squad.
Although there is no North Island tour this year, the Country side will play in an expanded South Island competition after initial pool matches involving Otago B, Otago Colts, Southland B and Southland Colts.
