Pick a side.
There are Otago and Southland links scattered throughout the New Zealand Heartland XV and New Zealand Barbarians sides who will meet in Oamaru this afternoon.
North Otago lock Josh Clark gets the start in the second row, while No 8 Junior Fakatoufifita will come off the bench at their home ground at Whitestone Contracting Stadium.
They are part of an experienced New Zealand Heartland XV team, coached by Nigel Walsh, who has lead South Canterbury on a remarkable 31 game Heartland winning streak.
Twelve players in the New Zealand Barbarians squad have Otago or Southland connections, including Cameron Rowland, who has been named on the bench.
Rowland was a standout for Valley during their unbeaten Citizens Shield season and for the North Otago development team.
Lucas Casey, who played for Kaikorai and North Otago, has also been named on the bench.
Otago flanker Harry Taylor, halfback Kieran McClea — who went to Waitaki Boys’ High School — and winger Jeremiah Asi will start for the Barbarians.
University lock Alefosio Aho and Dunedin second five Joe Cooke have also been selected and Highlanders academy member Mefi Tupou will be injected off the bench.
Southland Stags back Rory van Vugt and prop Joe Walsh get the nod to start and Quinn Harrison-Jones and Jahvis Wallace will come off the bench.
Kick-off is at 2.05pm.
Heartland v Barbarians
Whitestone Contracting Stadium, Oamaru, 2.05pm
New Zealand Heartland XV: Renata Roberts-Te Nana, Peceli Malanicagi, Shayne Anderson, Paula Fifita, Fletcher Morgan, Sam Briggs, William Wright, Douglas Horrocks, Finlay Joyce, Kaleb Foote, Peter-Travis Hay-Horton, Josh Clark, Tyler Kearns, Connor Anderson, Tokoma’ata Fakatava. Reserves: Leopino Maupese, Vaka Taelega, Jadam Williamson, Keanu Taumata, Loni Toumohunui, Junior Fakatoufifita, Leroy Neels, Dane Whale.
New Zealand Barbarians: Rory van Vugt, Joshua Gray, Naki Savieti, Joe Cooke, Jeremiah Asi, Byron Smith, Kieran McClea, George Risale, Harry Taylor, Lui Naeata, Antonio Shalfoon, Alefosio Shalfoon, Alefosio Aro, Mose Mafi, Quentin MacDonald, Joe Walsh. Reserves: Monu Moli, Jack Sexton, Quinn Harrison-Jones, Lucas Casey, Cameron Rowland, Jahvis Wallace, Coby Miln, Mefi Tupou.
