Air NZ Cup preview: Must-win time at Mt Smart

Counties Manukau v Southland
Mt Smart Stadium, 4.35pm

The lowdown: Kevin Putt has been on an emotional roller-coaster this season with his inexperienced Counties side in turns making him proud and then making him despair. He will see this as a real opportunity to notch his first Cup win of the season. On the other hand, Simon Culhane will have earmarked this fixture as five must-win points.

Look out for: Ross Kennedy. The giant Wellington lock was snapped up by Counties on loan to add some more ball-winning capability to complement the home side's classy backs. Kennedy was talked up as a potential All Black lock two years ago but failed to deliver on the promise. Word on the street is his form has deteriorated to the point where he has struggled to make his club side. Kennedy will start off the bench.

What we think: Counties to come close again but keep the cigars in the humidors. Southland have a little too much grunt up front.

Form: Counties - L, L, L, bye, L; Southland - L, L, bye, L, W.

Counties Manukau - Troy Nathan, Lelia Masaga, Niva Ta'auso, Male Sa'u, Siale Piutau, Blair Feeney, Ben Meyer (c); Luke Mealamu, James Maher, Daniel Crichton, Andrew Van der Heijden, Kristian Ormsby, Sione Sione, John Fonokolafi, Simon Lemalu. Reserves: Grant Henson, Roger Fua'aletoelau, Ross Kennedy, Waka Setitaia, Lance Easton, Nigel Watson, Kane Hancy.

Southland - Kendrick Lynn, Pehi Te Whare, Jason Kawau, Phil Dawson, Willie Rickards, Blair Stewart, Adam Clarke; Iona Sipa, Dion Bates, Hale T-Pole, Hoani MacDonald, Kane Thompson, Ben Coutts, David Hall/Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh/Clarke Dermody. Reserves: Jason Rutledge/David Hall, Jayden Murch/Jamie Mackintosh, Rees Logan, Jeff Wright, James Wilson, Alesana Muliaina, Watisoni Lotawa.