Righto, here we are again - yet another big game for the Bay. Seems like every game since Counties has been a big one, and now it is a showdown between the top 2 teams, level on points at the top. Southland have been cruising along quite nicely so far without hitting any great heights and they do have some tough games to come. They will really be targetting this game after dropping 2 points to Northland last week and they have their young starlet Robbie Robinson back in the 10 jersey which will at the very least improve their goalkicking.

So how can the Bay withstand the assualt in Invercargill tonight? They have picked Burman at 6 (and I have no idea if he has played there before) as Solomon King is out for a while and Latimer is back with the All Blacks. This suggests that they are picking the lineout as a key part of the game early on and have 2 loosies on the bench to cover the second half when the game might open up. It could be a real forward battle tonight, especially if the weather is not good so hopefully Mike Delany can convert all his kicks and the forwards can play a big game.

So far the forward pack has been very consistent and has delivered some big halves of rugby (2nd half v Northland, 1st half v Wellington, 2nd half v Canterbury) and tonight would be a good time to take it up another level. I would also like to see us really attack Southland through the forwards, launch Colin Bourke at the heart of their defence and then spread the quick ball he can generate. An article in the Sport Supplement of the Herald pointed out that we have no bonus points yet and Otago have managed 6 - granted 4 of those have come in their 4 losses and you actually have to lose a game to qualify for that bonus point. But it is vital we don't leave Invercargill without at least a point tonight at the minimum.

Here are the named teams for tonight's clash

Southland: Glen Horton, Matt Saunders, Kendrick Lynn, Jason Kawau, Tony Koonwaiyou, Robbie Robinson, Scott Cowan, David Hall, Tim Boys, John Hardie, Joe Tuineau, Josh Bekhuis, Chris King, Jason Rutledge, Jamie Mackintosh (captain)/Fai Mika.
Reserves: Mika/Micheal Peterson, Dave Gannon, Hua Tamariki, Noa Soqeta, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Seminar Manu, James Wilson.

Mighty Bay of Plenty Steamers: Ben Smith, Nigel Hunt, Cory Aporo, Phil Burliegh, Jason Hona, Mike Delany, Junior Poluleuligaga, Colin Bourke (captain) Luke Braid, Mark Burman, Culum Retallick, John Moore, James McGougan, John Pareanga, Josh Hohneck.
Reserves: Dean Elmiger, Joe Savage, Matt Henwood, Zak Honeck, Josh Hall, Wayne Hughson, Toby Arnold.