Due to Level 2 restrictions, the game will be played behind closed doors, but the match will be live on Sky Sport from 2pm.
Canterbury have a remarkable history with the Log ‘O’ Wood, playing 193 times for the shield and winning 152 of those matches. They’ve drawn seven games and lost 34 times. Four of their 152 wins have come against North Otago in 1971, 1983, 2003 and 2011.
The current holders have named a strong side for their defence against North Otago, including several of their Crusaders players and former All Black Luke Romano, who will start in the second row.
20 year-old Cullen Grace makes his return to the game, after injuring his right thumb while playing for the Crusaders in Investec Super Rugby Aotearoa. The in-form flanker underwent surgery in late June but has recovered in time for the provincial rugby season.
All Blacks Sevens playmaker Andrew Knewstubb has been named to start at fullback.
2019’s Heartland Championship Player of the Year Josh Clark will start at lock for North Otago, while drop-kick hero Ralph Darling starts in the front row.
The match will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1 (channel 051), with coverage to begin at 2pm.
Canterbury side: 1. Finlay Brewis 2. Brodie McAlister 3. Tamaiti Williams 4. Luke Romano 5. Sam Darry 6. Liam Allen 7. Billy Harmon 8. Cullen Grace 9. Ereatara Enari 10. Brett Cameron 11. Manasa Mataele 12. Dallas McLeod 13. Isaiah Punivai 14. Chay Fihaki 15. Andrew Knewstubb
Reserves: 16. Shilo Klein 17. Scott Mellow 18. Fletcher Newell 19. Zach Gallagher 20. Bill Fukofuka 21. Luke Donaldson 22. Rameka Poihipi 23. Cameron Bailey
North Otago side: 1. Ralph Darling 2. Sam Sturgess 3. Kelepi Funaki 4. Charles Elton 5. Josh Clark 6. Cameron Rowland 7. Marcus Balchin 8. Junior Fakatoufifita 9. Robbie Smith 10. Michael Williams 11. Mathew Vocea 12. Samuel Tatupu 13. Lemi Masoe 14. Sione Kavatoe 15. Josh Phipps
Reserves: 16. Jake Greenslade 17. Robert Richardson 18. Josh Hayward 19. William Kirkwood 20. Jack Kelly 21. Ben McCarthy 22. Taina Tamou 23. Antonio Misiloi