by Jim Webster - When identifying which are likely to be the top teams in the Intrust Shute Shield this season, everyone invariably includes Southern Districts. They certainly have very strong momentum coming off their impressive run into the grand final last year, but they would now seem to have even more reason to be present when the premiership is decided later this season. Their depth of talent runs deep. Their third-grade team also reached the semis and, for the first time in the club’s history, all three Colts teams qualified for the playoffs. “Souths has spent a very busy off-season trying to build on this strong platform,” says the club’s rugby director, Sean Murphy, "and we believe the club is in line for one of its finest seasons ever.” For starters, the coaching staff has a new look. Head coach