The Stags have built a reputation as valiant losers thanks to some very narrow brushes with victory during the past few years.
The working-class side has made big improvements under coach Dale MacLeod, particularly on defence.
They are a tough team to score on. But that guts has not always been rewarded with glory.
The Stags have lost all three games this year but that raw statistic does them no justice.
Two of those losses sit firmly in the heartbreaking category.
The opening game was lost late when Otago centre Freedom Vahaakolo scored in the final minutes to give the home side a 26-19 win.
And last weekend Canterbury kicked a penalty in extra time to clinch a 19-16 golden-point win.
Southland’s shot at redemption will not be easy.
The Stags travel to Blenheim to play back-to-back champions Tasman tomorrow.
Tasman was humbled 39-22 by Waikato in Nelson in its last outing, so the Mako will not be short on motivation.
The Stags have made several changes from the side which lost to Canterbury.
Tom Ross starts at tighthead with Chris Apoua moving to the bench.
Captain Tony Lamborn has been named at openside, while last week’s man of the match Matt James is rotated to the bench.
Former Highlander Sione Misiloi will start at No 8.
Grayson Knapp completes a loose forward trio which is not blessed with a lot of pace.
Charles Alaimalo will provide cover from the bench and should bring some spark when he is injected into the match.
Marist outside back Tevita Latu his returned from injury and takes a spot on the bench as well.
Lisati Milo Harris starts at halfback with Woodlands’ Liam Howley backing up.
The teams will play for a new trophy - the Clarke Dermody Cup.
The former prop played 89 games for Southland and went on to play three games for the All Blacks and 44 for the Highlanders, where he is now part of the coaching staff.
But he is also popular with the Tasman faithful. He helped the Mako win Premiership titles in 2019 and 2020 as a co-coach with Andrew Goodman.
NPC
Blenheim Sunday, 2.05pm
