Vahaakolo, Boyle in Otago side

OTAGO has named a couple of exciting newcomers in its side to take on Southland in a preseason match in Invercargill tomorrow.

It will be the last hitout for the teams before the start of the Mitre 10 Cup next weekend.

Otago is due to face heavyweight Auckland first up next Saturday while Southland also has a tough beginning to the competition, playing Hawkes Bay in Invercargill on Sunday.

Winger Freedom Vahaakolo receives a chance to show his wares while Dunedin youngster Harrison Boyle will get the opportunity to steer the ship from first fiveeighth.

Boyle has played fullback for most of his career but has been playing pivot for his Dunedin club this season.

Josh Ioane is with the South team while Levi Emery and Vilimoni Koroi have been named in the reserves.

Taylor Haugh, who made a slow start to the club season but has improved over the past couple of months, will play on the left wing.

Nasi Manu will start on the blindside flank.

Otago coach Tom Donnelly said Manu had not played any rugby for a good period of time and was working his way back into match fitness. But he was champing at the bit and had made a good impression upon the other players at training. He is expected to be right for the Auckland match.

Dylan Nel will start at No 8. Aleki MorrisLome will miss the game as he begins his return from a finger injury, playing club rugby for Harbour tomorrow.

Kayne Hammington missed the bulk of Super Rugby because of a finger injury but has been named to start the game. James Arscott will cover halfback from the bench.

Josh Hohneck, who has come back from England and made himself available for Otago, will prop the scrum.

Donnelly said the side had spent a good week training and would want to make progress this week.

Forwards Christian LioWillie and Grayson Knapp have been released to play for Kaikorai as has midfield back Giovanni Leituala, who will turn out for University.

Southland named its Mitre 10 Cup squad yesterday and will name its starting side for the match today.

The match will be played in front of no spectators.