Preview: Hawke's Bay v Southland

Hawke's Bay and Southland will be looking to bounce back from defeat last week when they go head-to-head in the ITM Cup on Tuesday.

Both Hawke's Bay and Southland will be looking to bounce back from defeat last week when they go head-to-head in the ITM Cup on Tuesday.

Having been outplayed by Waikato in Week One, Southland will be looking to get back on track as they hit the road for their first cross-division clash.

Southland were 23-20 winners the last time they visited Napier but the Stags will have to sort out the handling errors that cost them dearly last week. They will also do well not to be distracted by their Ranfurly Shield fixture against Canterbury on Saturday.

With the prospect of having to play two games in six days, Southland have made eight changes, including replacing the entire front row.

James Wilson has recovered from a hamstring problem and replaces impressive youngster Scott Eade at fly-half. Tim Boys makes a welcome return at flank while Matt Saunders, who takes over the captaincy, will be looking to exert some pressure on the hosts' midfield.

Hawke's Bay are on the wrong side of the stats, having won 19 of the 47 previous games between these sides (Southland have won 27 with one draw).

The Magpies did themselves no favours by committing 18 handling errors in their loss to Manawatu in their opening fixture and will be looking to Daniel Kirkpatrick to add some zip to the backs this time around.

Home coach Peter Russell has made several personnel changes. Amongst the backs Richard Buckman replaces Mark Jackman, who has a hip injury, and Kirkpatrick takes over at fly-half from Andrew Horrell (hand) although Horrell is bracketed at inside centre, while lock Bryn Evans (back) has been replaced by Ashton Johnson.

The teams:

Hawke's Bay: 15 Richard Buckman, 14 Sinoti Sinoti, 13 Star Timu, 12 Andrew Horrell / Ryan McLeod, 11 Tu Umaga-Marshall, 10 Daniel Kirkpatrick 9 Chris Eaton, 8 Mike Coman (capt), 7 Karl Lowe, 6 Trent Boswell-Wakefield, 5 Ashton Johnson, 4 Brodie Retallick, 3 Jody Allen, 2 Hikawera Elliot, 1 Sona Taumalolo.
Replacements: 16 Danny Logan, 17 Hikairo Forbes, 18 Maselino Paulino or Kane Thompson, 19 Adam Bradey, 20 Isaac Paewai or Kahn Fotuali'i, 21 McLeod or Tua Saseve, 22 Gillies Kaka, 23 Ben Tameifuna or Anthony Perenise

Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Tim Cornforth, 13 James Lew, 12 Matt Saunders (capt), 11 Glen Horton, 10 James Wilson, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Tim Boys, 6 John Hardie, 5 Joe Tuineau, 4 Ben Nally, 3 Nick Barrett, 2 David Hall, 1 Michael Peterson.
Replacements: 16 Jason Rutledge, 17 Jamie Mackintosh, 18 Josh Bekhuis, 19 Kaleni Taituli, 20 Sonny Rangitohereri, 21 Kendrick Lynn, 22 Scott Eade, 23 Chris King

Date:Tuesday, July 19
Venue: McLean Park, Napier
Kick-off: 20.05 (08.05 GMT)
Referee: Vinny Munro