After the charge down the ball goes loose and ends up being knocked on. Off the scrum Barone did well to get his side of the scrum up. Alby Mathewson broke from the back and fed Spooner-Nera who strolled over in the corner but after a consulting the TMO the ball was adjudged to have gone forward.

Very dangerous play from the home side. Robbie Robinson is caught running across his own goal line after fielding Guildford's chip and chase. He offloaded to Vaega who attempted to clear but was charged down.

Encouraging start from both sides, with both teams looking to run the ball from deep. Great to see sides have confidence in their skills. On a side note Veainu is looking dangerous out wide.

Great intent from Hawke's Bay as they run the ball from their 22 through speedsters Guildford and Veainu

Southland on the attack early on through Vaega. After busting 2 tackles he is eventually brought down inside the 22. But after the backs looked to sling it wide, a handling error coughs up possession.

With Hawke's Bay's poor record at Rugby Park, would be a brave man to bet against the Southland +1 handicap with Paddy Power. Does anyone fancy it?

With Championship play off places at stake, both sides have it all to play for this evening! Southland come into this game with the momentum, off the back of a 3 game winning streak. On the other hand Hawke's Bay have been struggling for form since losing the Ranfurly Shield, with loses at Taranaki and Tasman.
Although there is still some concern over the fitness of Marty McKenzie, Scott Eade is an able deputy, ready to fill in. On a positive note Lowe is back from a hamstring injury and is named on the bench while Atkins has shrugged off the flu to return at number 8.
Southland will be in high spirits after the victory over old rivals Otago last week. The prospect wrapping up a home semi final may be just the motivation Southland need to topple favourites Hawke's Bay. But which ever way this fixture goes it, it it sure to be an absolute cracker! Stay tune for live updates.