Southland coach stays with winning line-up

Southland coach Phil Young has kept the same team who beat Waikato last week for tomorrow's match against Taranaki in New Plymouth.

With centre Gavin Williams not in contention yet after suffering a knee injury against Auckland a fortnight ago, Young has predictably stuck with a winning combination.

"Gavin hasn't trained with us all week, and unless he was 100 per cent right, he was never going to be risked," Young said. "Hopefully, he'll be good for next week.

"We've been focusing on our own game at training this week, but at the same time being aware of Taranaki's strengths.

"No doubt they will play with a great deal of passion, and with it likely to be [veteran forward] Gordy Slater's last home game, you can guarantee they will be pumped up.

"Taranaki will be tough on their own patch, but our guys are looking forward to the challenge."

The home side are out of the running for a semifinal spot, unlike Southland, who have everything to play for. They are seventh on the table, just four points adrift from the top.

Taranaki: Daryl Lilley, James Kerr, Matthew Harvey, Bryce Robins, Shayne Austin, Sam Young, Craig Fevre, John Willis, Richard Bryant, Brendon McGlashan, Scott Breman, Paul Tito (capt), Gordon Slater, Andrew Hore, Tony Penn. Res: Daniel Smith, Jason Hooper, Brendon Back, Joe Lawn; Brendan Haami, Mark Urwin, Mark Stewart.

Southland: Graydon Staniforth, Mana Harrison, James Jowsey, Seremaia Bai, Hayden Martine, Richard Apanui, Jimmy Cowan, Paul Miller, Ben Herring, Hale T-Pole, Steve Jackson (capt), Daniel Quate, Clarke Dermody, Jason Rutledge, Keith Cameron. Res: David Hall, Brett Roberts, Hoani Macdonald, Pita Wilson; Jason Harrison, James Wilson, Byran Milne.

Referee: Gary Wise.

Kickoff: 2.25pm.

TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

NPC points table