​​​​​​Last week half back Liam Howley injured his ankle in training on team naming day ruling him out of the opening match of the Mitre 10 Cup. This week he is named to return and will keen to put a good perfomance out on the park due to being out of campaign in 2016. At a glance the starting fowards are the same as last week with the expection of Bill Fukofuka starting at lock and Manaaki coming off the bench. 

James Schrader starts at second five this week with Neria Fomai ruled out with a head knock in the opening minutes of the game against Hawkes Bay. Try scoer Matt Johnson starts again  alongside Ryan Tongia and Lewis Ormond.

Tupou Sopoaga is on the bench to cover the loose forwards and will be eager to get his debut. Mike Molloy had a stand out performance against Otago in the pre-season game so he will be looking to have impact off the bench. 

Stags V North Harbour,  Thursday 24th, 7.35pm, Rugby Park Invercargill