Team Named: Round 5 v nib Blues
It’s another tough match up this week as we head to Whangārei to face top of the table NIB Blues Women.
There are a few changes to this week’s line up – including triple-international Chey-Robins Reti starting on the left wing after being sidelined due to injury.
“She’s a really special person for our group on and off the field and she’s being doing a lot of work behind the scenes so it’s cool to see that work pay off for her to get a run this week,” says Head Coach Whitney Hansen.
“I’m just chuffed for her to be able to come out and rep Matatū which she’s super proud to do.”
Another exciting injection to the team is Sarah Jones – who could potentially make her Super Rugby Aupiki debut off the bench.
“We’re really excited for Jonesy, she’s been working really hard across a positional change this season so if she does get the opportunity to come out and get her debut this weekend, I know she’ll do us proud,” says Hansen.
Moomooga Palu is back in the starting line-up at prop, alongside Pip Love and Georgia Ponsonby in the front row.
Emma Dermody gets her first start of the season in the second row alongside Chelsea Bremner.
Captain Alana Bremner will start at blindside with Lucy Jenkins- who is leading the competition in defensive stats – at openside.
Kaipo-Olsen Baker has impressed week after week to maintain her spot in the number 8 jersey.
In the backs - Maia Joseph will again start at halfback while Hannah King keeps the number 10 jersey.
Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis will start at centre, while Winnie Palamo will be on the right wing.
Kaea Nepia will again take the starting fullback position.
Whitney Hansen says it’s a special occasion to play in Whangārei.
“When you go out to the smaller regions, you watch the young fans come along who don’t get to see a lot of rugby.
“This gives them the opportunity to see a pathway for their future which they otherwise wouldn’t get. It’s so cool to be able to do that.”
Matatū Starting Lineup:
Pip Love
Georgia Ponsonby
Moomooga Palu
Emma Dermody
Chelsea Bremner
Alana Bremner
Lucy Jenkins
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Grace Brooker
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Kaea Nepia
Impact Players:
16. Tegan Hollows
17. Marcelle Parkes
18. Eilis Doyle
19. Tayla Simpson
20. Sarah Jones*
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Hollyrae Mete
23. Fia Laikong
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Laura Bayfield, Amy Rule, Fiaali'i Solomona
