Rugby: Taniwha ready for Sopoaga

Southland first five-eighth Lima Sopoaga will be quick to pinpoint Northland's defensive flaws if their connections on defence aren't up to scratch. Photo/ Getty

The attacking threat of Southland and All Blacks playmaker Lima Sopoaga will be very real as he takes to the pitch versus Northland at Toll Stadium this evening.

Northland coach Richie Harris said the Taniwha will be looking to expose the defensive snags of Sopoaga, who is being released by the All Blacks management for the round two clash.

"He's an All Black that's high on confidence and when he's confident he plays well so it'll be a real challenge to try and minimise his influence on the game," Harris said.

"Defensively that's providing really good connections, not giving him too many opportunities and when we have the ball it's trying to expose an area where he has to defend and make tackles which is one of his work-ons."

Playing alongside Sopoaga and Southland's Elliot Dixon during the Highlanders' rampant Super XV season, Harris said the tactical nous of Northland and Highlanders loose forward Dan Pryor had been crucial for the Northland team's pre-match analysis.

"Danny always offers his insights, particularly on the Highlanders boys, so we've identified a few of them and they're certainly foremost in our planning.

"He [Sopoaga] likes various options to get the ball wide and also uses his kick a lot as an attacking option."

The North versus South encounter will be the first at home for Northland this season and they'll be looking to build on their first round, 39-10, loss to Hawkes Bay last weekend.

Kick-off is at 5:35pm.

Northland: Howard Sililoto, Matt Moulds (c), Namatahi Waa, Josh Goodhue, Michael Stolberg, Shane Neville, Kara Pryor, Taniela Manu, Sam Nock, Dan Hawkins, Jone Macilai, Troy Gilbert, Dave Thomas, Waisea Lawbuka, Mathew Wright. Reserves: Jordan Olsen, Ross Wright, Matt Talaese, Sean Sweetman, Jaycob Matiu, Kurt Davies, Jordan Hyland, Filipo Nakosi.

Southland: Jamie Mackintosh (c), Brayden Mitchell, Morgan Mitchell, Josh Bekhuis, Joel Everson, Elliot Dixon, Tim Boys, Bill Fukofuka, Scott Eade, Lima Sopoaga, Keanu Kahukura, Willis Halaholo, Kieran Moffat, Lolo Loco, Junior Ngaluafe. Reserves: Dillan Halaholo, Reuben Northover, Guy Millar, Michael Stewart, Alex Taylor, Liam Howley, Ash Moeke, James Schrader.