Otago are also without a win going into the round four match which doubles as a Donald Stuart Memorial Trophy clash.
Loyal Stags fans know on their annual ‘Stag Day’, their team has a good chance with their vocal support.
Last Saturday, Southland put in a much improved performance but came up short in their Ranfurly Shield challenge against Wellington, 39-17.
In windy Lower Hutt, Southland played with positive intent — exemplified by turning down a penalty shot at goal early in the game and aiming for a try from a lineout drive. No 8 Dylan Nel got across the line but couldn’t get the ball grounded.
The highlight of the game for Southland supporters was in the 29th minute when the powerful Stags scrum demolished the locals in front of their posts, the tighthead win led to a pushover try to replacement No 8 Semsi Tupou Ta’eiloa.
He had taken the field after Nel left with an injury but soon joined him on the sideline after a head knock and failed HIA assessment.
Wellington scored their second converted try a couple of minutes before halftime to lead 17-7.
The Lions took control in the second half but in the last 10 minutes Stags openside Leroy Ferguson and wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb scored two good tries.
Although it was a better performance the Stags again made too many errors. The turnovers meant extra tackling for a tiring defence which resulted in line-breaks.
Hooker Jack Taylor was again one of the better performers.
Also on Saturday, Jack’s younger brother Jimmy played a key part in Southland Boys’ High School first XV’s South Island title win against Christchurch Boys’ High School.
In front of a huge crowd at Les George Oval, the local school won 29-28.
The Boys’ High team is arguably the most well-drilled rugby team in the province. The highly skilled players have mastered their roles and their commitment to each other and their cause has earned them the right to play the top school from the Hurricanes region in a national semi-final.
Inside the last 10 minutes on Saturday, replacement wing Cody Stevens scored and Taylor kicked a sideline conversion to put Southland Boys’ in front.
Wing Kiseki Fifita scored three tries in the first half. Openside flanker and captain Gregor Rutledge was again one of the standout players.
Also at Les George on Saturday, Southland Under-19 earned a 36-27 win in a warm-up game against Otago. The two teams meet again this weekend in a South Island competition. After Otago, Southland will play Tasman, and Canterbury U19 teams.
Southland Girls’ High lost 27-12 to Christchurch Girls’ High School in Christchurch on Saturday.
- By John Langford
