Rugby: Teams named for North v South match

Charles Piutau in action against Canterbury in the ITM Cup rugby match, held at Eden Park, July 17, 2011. Photo / Brett Phibbs

The teams for the controversial North v South fixture in Dunedin on Sunday have been named.

The match, organised to help bail out the financially-stricken Otago Rugby Union, has received a luke-warm welcome from supporters, players and their Super Rugby coaches.

Players have been divided depending on which Super Rugby team they play for, with the Blues, Chiefs and Hurricanes franchises in the north up against the Crusaders and Highlanders in the south. New Zealand sevens player Charles Piutau has been included in the North Island team.

The match is the first North v South clash since 1995 which was also played in Dunedin.

South coach Tony Gilbert said he was grateful so many players had made themselves available for selection.

"We know how intense the rugby season is these days so it's great that so many have been willing to put their hand up for the match which aims to thank the local community for supporting the Otago Rugby Football Union at this time," he said.

"It should be a top match. There are a number of players in both teams who are on the fringe of All Blacks selection so I am sure they will have plenty to play for. And I know these festival style matches are always great entertainment so I think fans are in for a treat on Sunday."

North coach Graham Mourie said he was sure his team would be working hard to make the match an exciting spectacle in the manner of past encounters.

"I have fond memories of these matches so I am really looking forward to rekindling that rivalry, in the magnificent Forsyth Barr Stadium. I've also got a score to settle having captained the North side which got thumped by the South in 1982."

Crusaders Corey Flynn and Andy Ellis were not considered for selection due to injury. Flynn injured his ribs in the match against the Highlanders at the weekend and halfback Ellis, controversially left out of the All Blacks squad, has a minor foot problem.

The teams do not assemble in Dunedin until Friday. The match kicks off at 2.05pm.

North Island

Forwards: Jeffery Toomaga-Allen (Hurricanes), Toby Smith (Chiefs), Josh Hohneck (Chiefs), Dane Coles (Hurricanes), Tom McCartney (Blues), James Broadhurst (Hurricanes), Michael Fitzgerald (Chiefs), Filo Paulo (Blues), Faifili Levave (Hurricanes), Brad Shields (Hurricanes), Scott Waldrom (Chiefs), Luke Braid (Blues)

Backs: Brendon Leonard (Chiefs), Alby Mathewson (Blues), Andrew Horrell (Chiefs), Hadleigh Parkes (Blues), Richard Buckman (Hurricanes), Charles Piutau (New Zealand Sevens), David Raikuna (Blues), Lelia Masaga (Chiefs), Lachie Munro (Blues), Robbie Robinson (Chiefs)

South Island

Forwards: Jamie Mackintosh (Highlanders), Chris King (Highlanders), Ma'afu Fia (Highlanders), Jason Rutledge (Highlanders), Quentin MacDonald (Crusaders), Jarrad Hoeata (Highlanders), Tom Donnelly (Crusaders), Culum Retallick (Highlanders), Tim Boys (Highlanders), Scott Fuglistaller (Highlanders), Matt Todd (Crusaders), Luke Whitelock (Crusaders)

Backs: Jimmy Cowan (Highlanders), Willi Heinz (Crusaders), Tom Marshall (Crusaders), Glenn Dickson (Highlanders), Kendrick Lynn (Highlanders), Adam Whitelock (Crusaders), Kade Poki (Highlanders), Buxton Poppali'i (Highlanders), Patrick Osborne (Crusaders), Kurt Baker (Highlanders)