Southern Lakes will look to continue its dominance as the second round of the Southern team competition is played in Dunedin this weekend.
After taking the honours in round one in Queenstown in November, the Lakes side will be favourite to do so once again after naming a strong line-up.
The Lakes team will be led by New Zealand Davis Cup captain Alistair Hunt and Perry Crockett, while also named are Thomas Hartono, Chris Bradley and Mark Milburn.
Rounding out the line-up is a return to competitive action for former top junior Harry James.
On the female side, Ines Stephani leads the way along with Emilia Price, national 14s semifinalist Anais Russell-Jove, Suma Ito and Tammy Smith.
Otago will look to provide Southern Lakes with a challenge after losing 7-5 in the November tie.
The Otago side is led by Otago Indoor Open women's champion Libby Scott and may have the depth on the women's side to compete with Southern Lakes as Marie Reid, Ayesha Horley, Rileigh Fields and Jessie Stevenson should provide some exciting match-ups.
The Otago men are led by Paddy Ou, Ryan Eggers and Carlos Reid. Henry Neas also returns to the line-up after an injury break while Andrew Mitchell is expected to play a part in the doubles game as the weekend progresses.
Southland will look to bounce back from a three-loss first round and possesses arguably the top player in the event in men's No1 and Wanaka Open champion Sky Lovill as he looks to replicate his impressive form from November.
Kurt Hodson and Scarlett Cuthill add further depth to the team as it will look to reverse its fortunes and cause upsets.
North Otago rounds out the four teams and will be looking to build on its win over Southland in round one.
Rebecca Dellaway, Mackenzie Phillips and Belinda Hirst will lead their charge on the female side and the always reliable Robin Jamieson and Jason Forrest will be working hard for the male contingent.
Play gets under way today at Logan Park at 9am, with the final round taking place tomorrow.
