The curtain raiser could threaten to steal the show at the Southland Stags versus Taranaki rugby game in Invercargill on October 17.

Former All Blacks Ma’a Nonu, Carlos Spencer and Stephen Donald and rugby coach Sir Graham Henry are among many well-known rugby players named to line up for Southland Charity Hospital’s Pack the Park invitational rugby match. 

The Pack the Park match will be followed by the Mitre 10 Cup fixture between Southland and Taranaki.

The match marks the first anniversary of the death of Southland cancer care advocate and Midlands Rugby Club member, Blair Vining.

Henry will combine with cricket great Chris Cairns to coach the AB Lime Blair Vining XV while Israel Dagg and professional boxer Joseph Parker will coach the ITM Invitational XV.

Blair Vining’s wife and charity hospital board member Melissa Vining said she had to thank Southland former All Black Corey Flynn for enticing other players out of retirement.

“He’s been a huge supporter of the charity hospital since the very beginning. It’s thanks to him that so many of the guys have agreed to come out of retirement and play for us. All of his arm twisting has definitely paid off, and we hope the crowd really enjoy coming out and seeing so many rugby heroes out on the field,” Mrs Vining said.

The invitational XV has three mystery members. IMAGE: SUPPLIED/SOUTHLAND CHARITY HOSPITAL TRUST

Other players include Southland favourites Jimmy Cowan and Jason Rutledge, former All Blacks Mils Muliaina and Pita Alatini, and Otago stalwarts Brendan Laney, Kelvin Middleton, and John Blaikie.

They will play alongside friends and former teammates of Blair Vining.

More Pack the Park team members will be progressively revealed every Thursday night through The Southland Charity Hospital ‘Guess Who’ social media campaign on Facebook. 

The campaign includes a competition for fans to win a jersey signed by members of both teams.

Tickets (covers both games): ILT Stadium Southland or www.ticketek.co.nz or at the gate on the day, subject to availability. 

Squads 

AB Lime Blair Vining XV: Andrew Hore, Ali Williams, Bryce Casey (captain), Jason Rutledge, Corey Flynn, Jimmy Cowan, Stephen Donald, Ma’a Nonu, Carlos Spencer, Pita Alatini, Daniel Pinn, Mils Muliaina, Ben McHugh, Brian ‘Norty’ Anderson, Damian Pulley, Craig Robins, Joe Robins, Quinn Robins, Al Jones, James Caldwell, Matt O’Connell, Scott Carmody, Mana Harrison. Coach Sir Graham Henry, assistant coach Chris Cairns.

ITM Invitational XV: Davin Heaps, Tii Tii Paulo, John Blaikie, Kelvin Middleton, Hale T-Pole, Matt Watson (captain), Andy Ellis, Brendon Laney, Dwayne Sweeney, Neil Brew, Shaun Vining, Willie Walker, Callum Rutledge, Pete Thomson, John Officer, Tere Cummings, Chris Menzies, Brendon Mitchell, Craig Valli, Hayden Gentle, Vinnie Cruickshank, Gregor Laughton. Coach Israel ‘Izzy’ Dagg, assistant coach Joseph Parker.