By Stu Piddington

"The focus is on what we do and how individuals respond."

Matthews was especially keen to see how his new players stepped up.

"Many of them haven't played at this level, so I am keen to see how they perform."

Loan first five Zac Southen will start at first five and he looks set to be a key element in the side.

Hamish Strachan and Jared Matthews are teaming up the midfield, with Miles Medlicott on the injured list. Strachan's utility value has already been shown, having been named to start at fullback in the defunct game against Southland.

Speedster Shay Moseby is at fullback, while utility Mosese Aho and Raitube Vasurakuta are on the wings.

Willie Wright gets an opportunity to start at halfback, with Theo Davidson called into the squad as cover, as Christchurch-based Nick Annear is not joining the squad until next week.

No. 8 Kieran Coll has been passed fit and will join Nick Strachan and John Dyer in the loose forwards.

Fijian Dyer looks to be an exciting prospect after arriving at Geraldine.

He will, however, have some additional pressure to perform as he has to come in as a loan player, having arrived in the country too late to be considered as a local under the Heartland rules.

Christchurch Rugby Club loose forward and third loan player Matt Etheredge also remains on the injured list.

Johnny Andrews gets the first crack at hooker after his representative recall, with Irishman Conor McCormack and the experienced Timaru Tafa making up the front row.

With South Canterbury's most capped player from last year Matt Fetu unavailable because of work commitments, a good game from McCormack could see him head towards sealing a regular starting spot.

Old Boys loose forward Taione Ratu will start at lock beside Will Joines.

Ratu and Joines will also be keen to impress Matthews early, with no definite second row combination decided.

The substitutes are also likely to see plenty of time on the park.

Forwards coach Grant McFarlane will be keen to see if Ata Ata Langi Langi, a former Wellington B player, can stand-out for South Canterbury in the pack.

The lock-loose forward has had to cover several spots for Mackenzie, including in the backline, but will be back to his key duties.

The game kicks off at 2.30pm.

SOUTH CANTERBURY (from 15): Shay Moseby, Mosese Aho, Jared Matthews, Hamish Strachan, Raitube Vasurakuta, Zac Southen, Willie Wright, Kieran Coll Nick Strachan, John Dyer, Will Joines, Taione Latu, Conor McCormack, Johnny Andrews, Timaru Tafa. Reserves: Junior Faavae, Vaka Taelaga, Ata Ata Langi Langi, Viliame Logavatu, Theo Davidson, Maxx Morris. Waisale Leiroti.