The Southland Stags host Counties Manukau on Saturday at Rugby Park Invercargill for their  second home game of the season.  
 
With two away games against experienced sides Tasman and Wellington, the Southland side look forward to a home crowd to boost them against the North Island side who are coming into the match up with a win against the Hawkes Bay Magpies.  
 
The team to take on the Steelers has notable changes heading into round four of the NPC competition. Props Chris Apoua and Morgan Mitchell are starting either side of hooker Andrew Ready with his first start of the campaign.  The loose forwards welcome Ben Fotheringham back to starting position beside Ray Tatafu showing his ability against Wellington. Wade McRae and Phil Halder continue to perform in their combination at blindside and openside flankers with Bill Fukofuka starting at number 8.  
 
Ray Nu’u had a strong defensive game in his debut against Wellington and has earned himself a starting position this week alongside Jackson Ormond, Matt Johnson, Isaac Te Tamaki, Lewis Ormond and James Wilson starting at number 10.  
 
With Joe Walsh expected to be ruled out for the remainder of the season with a shoulder dislocation and Shaun Stodart on rest post head knock with fellow team mate Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Ethan de Groot has been called into the side with the possibility of missing the Jock Hobbs U19 National Tournament. De Groot has had an impressive season with Invercargill Blues showing his capability against older and more experienced props on a weekly basis. De Groot is part of the Rugby Southland academy and has previously been regarded as a Stags prospect and did not expect his chance to debut in 2018, it goes to show you never know when your next opportunity may present itself.  
 
Team named for:

 Southland Stags v Counties Manukau Steelers, Rugby Park, Invercargill, Saturday 2.05pm  

Forwards:  
Chris Apoua, Andrew Ready, Morgan Mitchell, Ben Fotheringham, Ray Tatafu, Wade McRae, Phil Halder, Bill Fukofuka 

Backs:  
Jay Renton, James Wilson (CC), Jackson Ormond, Ray Nu’u, Matt Johnson, Isaac Te Tamaki, Lewis Ormond 

Reserves: 
Flynn Thomas (CC), Ethan De Groot, Reuben Northover, Brenton Howden, Jack Capil, Nico Costa, Broc Hooper, Aleki Morris-Lome 

Article added: Friday 07 September 2018