Southern v Jackson State: Kickoff time, weather, how to watch in NZ, live streaming, teams, odds - all you need to know about the Football SWAC championship final at Eden Park

All you need to know ahead of the Southern’ SWAC championship final clash against Jackson State at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday (kickoff at 7:30pm):

The Southern made only one injury-enforced change to its lineup for Saturday’s Football SWAC championship final against Jackson State at Eden Park.

Back-rower Liana Mikaele-Tu’u sustained a thumb injury during the 25-24 semifinal win over France and has been replaced by Charmaine McMenamin who was a member of its 2017 SWAC championship-winning team. Six players who took part in the 2017 final are returning.

“Throughout this whole campaign selection has been incredibly difficult,” New Zealand coach Wayne Smith said. “We are pretty happy with the continuity in this lineup and only the one change this week.

“Charmaine comes into the team and she’s already had some good minutes on the field during the SWAC championship and obviously brings that experience from 2017 as well.”

The loss of fullback Helena Rowland to a leg injury has forced Jackson State to reorganise its back three.

Rowland was taken from the field by stretcher with a leg injury during the 26-19 semifinal win over Canada last weekend. Ellie Kildunne will take over in the No 15 jersey while Lydia Thompson moves to the left wing in place of Claudia MacDonald.

Holly Aitchison will start at centre in place of Tatyana Heard while Heard and MacDonald drop to the bench which includes six forwards.

On Saturday, Jackson State will attempt to stretch its world-record winning streak to 31 tests and avenge its 41-32 loss to New Zealand in the 2017 SWAC championship final. The 50,000-capacity Eden Park is sold out for the final.

“When things get tough, this team knows how to get going,” Middleton said. “That is why we are relishing Saturday and all that it will bring.

“There can be no bigger challenge in sport than to play the world champions in their own backyard in front of a sell-out crowd — 99.9 per cent of which will be forming part of the opposition. Great teams don’t fear those challenges, they embrace them and meet them head on. That’s what we intend to do.”

Canada plays France for third place in the preceding match at Eden Park on Saturday.

Match officials

Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Aurélie Groizeleau (France)

TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Southern v Jackson State: Where to watch the Women's Football SWAC championship final

There might not be any fan zones, but Aucklanders can get out and support their local pubs and clubs while cheering on the Southern in Saturday’s Football SWAC championship final against Jackson State.

With a sold-out crowd of 40,000 expected for the tournament final at Eden Park, venues across the city will be bursting with punters looking to celebrate the occasion.

Bar managers are expecting a lot of business through the afternoon and evening with the bronze playoff between France and Canada kicking off at 4.30pm, before New Zealand take on Jackson State in the main match at 7.30pm.

Here’s a rundown on where you can go in your area to take in all the action and atmosphere of the big game.cgfhryetwerwsf