Nationals chance for young southern players to impress

THEY do not carry the profile of the glory days but the national championships will provide an important opportunity this week for the next generation of southern talent to shine.

Once, they carried the same name — the NPC — as the rugby equivalent, games were televised, and Silver Ferns were made available for the tournament.

Otago folk might argue that era peaked when an absolutely loaded squad, which had won the inaugural national league as the Rebels earlier in the year, romped to victory in 1998.

Maroontinted glasses, and all that.

This is still an important week for both southern teams, Dunedin and Invercargill (centres having replaced provinces years ago), and especially young players eager to impress.

Dunedin, especially, has named a team that is green and keen for the Palmerston North tournament.

The captain is energetic midcourter Mia Allison, finally getting a chance to play at this level after being part of squads in 2020 and 2021, when the event was cancelled due to Covid.

She has a lineup of mainly club players with a sprinkling of Southern Blast representatives around her.

Isabella Galvan, daughter of former Silver Fern Anna Veronese, is a quick and athletic attacker with good hands, and goal keep DellaMay Vining, daughter of health campaigners Melissa and the late Blair, is rangy with a powerful jump.

‘‘We’ve got a really nice emerging team,’’ Dunedin coach Lana Morrison said.

‘‘It’s a tough tournament but we’re looking forward to the girls gaining some great experience.’’

Dunedin is in pool D with Mangere Otahuhu (today, 4pm), Rotorua (tomorrow, 8.30am), Tauranga (tomorrow, 4pm) and Christchurch (Thursday, 11.30am), and must finish in the top two to make the final eight.

Invercargill has named a team featuring more familiar names.

Southern Steel great Te Huinga Reo SelbyRickit is both player and assistant coach, and the likes of Losa Fifita, Kate Hartley and the Erwood twins, Sophie and Abby, have all played at a high level.

Invercargill is in pool A with Wellington, Eastern Waikato, CountiesManukau and Manawatu B.