Canterbury side ready for Southland battle in Ōtautahi

A return to Christchurch to round out a bruising storm week will see Reed Prinsep (Te Rārawa) return to lead Canterbury when they take on Southland in Sunday’s Bunnings Warehouse NPC fixture.

Prinsep has fought his way back from an achilles injury which largely kept him out of Super Rugby and most of this year’s NPC. The blindside will start alongside Joe Brial, who gets his first opportunity to start at number 8, and Tom Christie back at openside.

James Mullan gets his second chance in red and black following his debut against North Harbour and will be sandwiched between Joe Moody (Ngāi Tahu) and Carisbrook Toomalatai in the front row.

Senior lock Luke Romano will partner the energetic Tahlor Cahill (Ngāpuhi) to round out the starting pack.

“It’s great to have Reed back, “said Coach Marty Bourke (Tainui). “He’s a man that carries a lot of mana, so to have him back and out on the park is great for our group.”

“We’re really looking forward to seeing Joe apply himself at this level. He’s been playing really well for the Canterbury B’s and been in and around our group for a while now, so he deserves this opportunity.”

Dallas McLeod shifts back into the midfield alongside Ryan Crotty, with Mitchell Drummond starting at half back along side Fergus Burke at First Five. Ngatungane Punivai, Solomon Alaimalo and Chay Fihaki will again link up to create the back three.

Forecasted good weather awaits the two teams for Sunday afternoon footy, with tickets available from Ticketek here for the 2:05pm kick off.