Lineout to Manawatu just inside Southland territory

Southland effect the turnover and Cowen clears for the visitors

Another box kick from Cowen, great break by Tudreu, Manawatu on the attack just 10m out now

Chip ahead but Southland manage to get back and clear to the safety of touch

Cowen with the box kick onto Curtis who has a run

Early kicking duel between the sides, end result is a lineout to Southland just inside their own half

Taken by Emery who clears downfield

Hawera gets the match underway for Southland

The teams are out on the field, kick off is just moments away

Manawatu hosts Southland in round 2 of the Mitre 10 Cup.
Manawatu got their season off to the perfect start, defeating Northland 34-27 in week 1, while Southland was comfortably beaten by Otago 40-17.
The last time these sides met was in 2015, with Southland running out convincing 49-14 victors.
The head to head record stands at 23 wins for Manawatu, 18 wins for Southland, with one match drawn.