Mains looks for rare win in Invercargill

Otago have not beaten Southland in an NPC match in Invercargill since 1986 and it is a shortcoming coach Laurie Mains would like to address.

They drew in 1999 and lost in 1997, while Southland spent much of the previous decade in the second division.

"It's always a hard game down there, no matter what," Mains said yesterday.

"They will throw everything at us, I've no doubt about that. It will be difficult for us, and the first 20 minutes will be really tough."

Mains said Otago had to display urgency and discipline.

Southland beat Otago 31-20 in a warm-up game in Queenstown in July and there is a quiet confidence the Stags can win the battle of the border.

Coach Leicester Rutledge believes Southland can emerge with a "positive result" if the atmosphere is right, and his players will be out to make a statement to Mains, the incoming Highlanders' coach.

Little can be read into Southland's 12-37 loss to Canterbury last weekend because some players were spelled as the Stags looked ahead to the match against their oldest rivals.

Rutledge acknowledged Southland played poorly and was disappointed in the ball retention and some aimless kicking.

But there will be a different attitude in the Southland side as they play what they regard as their "test" of the season.

- NZPA