Crucial clash: Lions host the Stags
Wellington and Southland battle it out in Thursday's must-win ITM Cup clash, with the winner taking a small step away from relegation.
The Stags (17 points) currently sit one point ahead of the last-placed Lions on the ITM Cup Premiership standings.
And with three rounds to play - including this match at Westpac Stadium - Thursday's clash in the capital looms as a must-win for both teams as they try to push themselves away from the relegation zone and also keep their play-off hopes alive.
The Premiership team that finishes last will be automatically relegated.
Wellington, playing their final home match of the 2011 season, can still make the final if they win their last three games and other results fall in their favour.
The Stags, who held on to the Ranfurly Shield on Saturday courtesy of a last-gasp try against unlucky challenger North Harbour, may be second-last but the close nature of the competition means they are still in contention to make the top two and the final if they were to win their remaining three games.
With eight points currently separating first to last place on the Premiership table and with 15 points still up for grabs, anything can happen!
Head-to-head, the Lions are roaring for their tenth straight victory over the Stags.
The teams:
Wellington: 15 Apoua Stewart, 14 Alapati Leiua, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Charlie Ngatai, 11 Julian Savea, 10 Lima Sopoaga, 9 TJ Perenara, 8 Brad Shields, 7 Scott Fuglistaller, 6 Dean Brunsdon, 5 Mark Reddish, 4 Jeremy Thrush (c), 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Dane Coles, 1 Reggie Goodes
Replacements: 16 Motu Matu'u, 17 Jacob Ellison, 18 Joe Latta, 19 Faifili Levave, 20 Frae Wilson, 21 Michael Hobbs, 22 Steve Honey, 23 Arden David-Perrot.
Southland: 15 Robbie Robinson, 14 Kade Poki, 13 Kendrick Lynn, 12 Matt Saunders, 11 Glen Horton, 10 James Wilson, 9 Scott Cowan, 8 Elliot Dixon, 7 Tim Boys, 6 John Hardie, 5 Ben Nally, 4 Josh Bekhuis, 3 Nic Barrett, 2 Jason Rutledge, 1 Jamie Mackintosh (c).
Replacements: 16 David Hall, 17 Chris King, 18 Michael Fatialofa, 19 Tom Chamberlin, 20 Sonny Rangitoheriri, 21 Marty McKenzie, 22 Tony Koonwaiyou, 23 Michael Peterson.
Referee: Sheldon Eden-Whaitiri
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