QBE Harbour name side to play Southland

Doyle to debut in the Deep South

After missing the 2014 season with injury, promising flanker James Doyle will make his long awaited debut for QBE Harbour against Southland tomorrow in Invercargill.

The 24 year old has recently plied his trade in England for Championship side Sale as well as Leeds before returning home back where it all began at the Northcote Rugby Club.

“Unfortunately last year James had a shoulder injury which he had to get sorted and then in preseason this year he fractured his eye socket so he’s had a bad run but he’s itching to get out on the paddock. He’ll bring a different dimension to our game, he’s fit he’s enthusiastic so we can’t wait to see him out there with the Hibiscus on his chest,” said head coach Steve Jackson.

Doyle’s inclusion is one of three changes to the starting XV.

Nic Mayhew returns from a rib injury to take his place at loosehead prop.

Head coach Steve Jackson’s opted to fit both his playmakers in the backline with Dan Halangahu to remain at first rive and Matt McGahan to slot in at fullback for Junior Tofa Va’a.

“It was important that we had both Dan and Matt out on the field and it was just about who we thought would be more comfortable at fullback. Matt hasn’t had much time there but he’s a good enough player to be able to adapt, and I think we saw that with the Blues.”

Southland have had one win and a draw so far, and tomorrow’s game is their third in eight days.

“The focus has been trying to be positive and get our players up. The word of the week has been ‘work-rate’ and also we just can’t be selfish. The last couple of weeks we’ve been doing some selfish things individually, and to get the points we’re looking for we’ve got to work as a team.”

QBE HARBOUR v SOUTHLAND