Country opened its account last weekend, ending up on the wrong end of a 60-5 hammering by Otago Development at Heriot, which was not the ideal start to the representative season.
Despite this, coach Roger Cotton has named a solid-looking team for today's match and will be confident his side can get a first win under its belt.
The match is at Rugby Park in a curtainraiser to the ITM Cup match between Otago and Southland.
However, the forward pack looks slightly inexperienced, especially in the loose, but the front row of Stu Young, Will Hurst and Nic Gee should hold their own.
Upper Clutha lock Tom Dwyer, having an outstanding season, will be tasked with getting the pack going forward.
The backline looks reasonably sharp with halfback Josh Botting, wing Tyler Bichan, centre Bill Maiono and fullback Ben Purvis all capable of standout performances.
Southland Metro comes into the match fresh off a bye last weekend.
In its first match a fortnight ago, it came up short in a 10-7 loss to its Country counterparts at Balfour but showed excellent defence.
The side boasts some notable former Southland ITM Cup players including halfback Sonny Rangitoheriri and fullback Warrick Lynn, which should make Country's job even tougher.
The match kicks off at 3pm.
Right after the ITM Cup match, Otago Under-19 takes on Southland Under-19, kicking off at 7.30pm at Rugby Park.
- Rhys Chamberlain
Otago Country v Southland Metro
Invercargill, 3pm, today
Otago Country: Ben Purvis, Will Scorgie, Bill Maiono, Danny van der Voort, Tyler Bichan, Stu Melville, Josh Botting, Nathan Hull, Rowan Tumai, Kerrod Baldwin, James Edgar, Tom Dwyer, Nic Gee, Will Hurst (captain), Stu Young. Reserves: Charles Crutchley, Tim O'Neill, Steve Green or Isaac Hay, Mala Saimoni, Steve Bruce, Michael Paulin, Sam Wyber.
Southland Metro: Michael Peterson, Dan Cairns, Chris Barrett, Bubba Lauese, Craig Smith, Jack Falloon, Lee Murray, Brad Whyte, Sonny Rangitoheriri, Calvary Fonoti, Gabriel Pickering, Runi Safole, Keanu Kahukura, Otulea Katoa, Warrick Lynn. Reserves: not named.
