Southland haven’t got anywhere near delivering on their potential in recent years and they want that to change.
The Big Picture
Vision Statement We are just looking to build on the proud tradition of the Stags. It’s a matter of us helping each player to understand his role and drive a performance based on team ethos through everything we do. We are driven to perform to a standard that our fans can be proud of so that they want to come along and support us at our games. It’s a great opportunity for the players and myself. I’m very excited about it. HEAD coach Brad Mooar
Brad Mooar has taken over as Southland coach this season as the Stags seek to improve on what was a mediocre 2013.
They were beaten 49- 28 in the semifinals by the eventual champions, Tasman, but it was a disappointing campaign of four wins and seven losses.
Mooar takes over from David Henderson, whose tenure as coach included two successful Ranfurly Shield challenges and who is continuing with Southland in a coach development role.
Mooar, who was a partner in a Christchurch law firm two years ago, coached the Christchurch club premier team from 2007- 2011 and was assistant to Matt Sexton of the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth last year. He will be helped by Southland stalwarts Clarke Dermody ( responsible for scrum and breakdowns) and Hoani MacDonald ( forwards and team defence).
The Stags have a solid nucleus of experience. It is doubtful if any union could match the longevity of players such as Jason Rutledge ( 130 matches for Southland), captain Jamie Mackintosh ( 103), Josh Bekhuis ( 94), Tim Boys ( 91) and John Hardie ( 57).
Southland’s Achilles heel in recent seasons has been a lack of penetration and direction in the backline and that should be remedied, partly at least, by the acquisition of Lima Sopoaga, Mark Jackman, Lolohea Loco and Jamie Verran. And midfielders Cardiff Vaega and Willis Halaholo, who began to develop a good combination last season, should be the better for the experience.
There should be few concerns about the forwards, an area in which Southland are traditionally strong. There is a hard edge to the pack while younger players including promising lock Michael Fatialofa and prop JP Koen should continue their development.
Rising St ar
Halfback Scott Eade has played 27 games for the Stags, many at first five- eighth until he was moved to halfback in the second half of last season. He top scored with 95 points last year. “We see his future at No 9,” Mooar said. “His experience at No 10 has helped Southland are under new management this season as they try to improve on an average campaign last year. BRENT
EDWARDS with the story. his reading of the game. An excellent team- man, a good decisionmaker with a superb work ethic and a very good goal- kicker.”
Old Dog
Lock Josh Bekhuis and flanker Tim Boys. If all goes to plan, both should raise their bats for their century of games for the Stags. Bekhuis starts the campaign on 94 and Boys on 91. Both have also been long- time servants of the Highlanders. Their experience is invaluable and their qualities integral to the success of the Southland pack. Bekhuis is the classical lock, a fine lineout exponent who is strong in his support play around the field and in his other duties. Boys is another in the long line of Stags’ openside flankers in the tradition of Leicester Rutledge, Ken Stewart, Paul Henderson and others, a ball- hunter and gatherer.
New Arrivals
The undoubted big name newcomer is first five- eighth Lima Sopoaga, fresh off a record- breaking season for the Highlanders, after playing 37 games for Wellington since his first- class debut. Sopoaga will give the Stags’ backline leadership and direction and accurate goalkicking. Losses include Marty McKenzie, to Taranaki, prop Nic Barrett, and veteran Tongan utility forward Hale T- Pole while fullback Robbie Robinson and hooker David Hall will both probably miss the entire campaign because of injury.