Team stand by Mehrts

Canterbury team management believe first five-eighth Andrew Mehrtens' form is nothing to worry about heading into today's first division match against Southland in Invercargill.

Mehrtens was clearly over-shadowed by Tony Brown in a match-up of two former All Blacks No 10s in Otago's impressive 32-16 win in Dunedin last weekend.

Brown was inspirational with his aggressive tackling and running, although it helped that he played behind a dominant forward pack.

Mehrtens showed some nice touches - and became the third Canterbury player to raise 1000 points - but he was not the force most expected.

Some commentators have questioned Mehrtens' desire after he failed to make the All Blacks World Cup squad.

But Canterbury coach Aussie McLean said he had no problem with Mehrtens' form or attitude in the countdown to the fifth-round clash. "If you were me, would you like to have him in your team? He's been fantastic in our environment," McLean said. "He's been a real leader. He's helping our players who haven't had a lot of games in the [Canterbury] jersey."

Canterbury may need Mehrtens at his inspirational best against a resurgent Southland, who are quietly confident of ending their 22-year losing streak against the red-and-blacks.

Southland have beaten North Harbour and Northland in the past two rounds to record their first consecutive division one wins since 1977.

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

Canterbury: Scott Hamilton, Joe Maddock, Casey Laulala, Mark Robinson, Alisi Tupuailei, Andrew Mehrtens, Ben Hurst (captain); Sam Broomhall, Johnny Leo'o, Scott Robertson, Norm Maxwell, Daniel Turner, Campbell Johnstone, Tone Kopelani, Chris King. Reserves: Jed Vercoe, Greg Feek, Matt Dalzell, Andrew Morgan; Corey Tamou, Cameron McIntyre, Doug Tausili.

Referee: Kelvin Deaker. Kickoff: 2.35pm. TV: Live on Sky Sport 1.

- NZPA

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