Team Named: Round 6 v Chiefs Manawa
We’re heading home to Ngā Puna Wai this week to take on Chiefs Manawa in our last round robin game before heading into finals.
Head Coach Whitney Hansen says the team is excited to play in front of a home crowd after a few weeks on the road.
“Any game of Super Rugby Aupiki we get to play is an honour and a great opportunity for our girls, but you can’t beat running out in Christchurch and having our home crowd behind us” says Hansen.
There are a few changes in the forward pack this week – Marcelle Parkes gets the nod for loosehead prop, while Georgia Ponsonby remains at hooker, alongside Moomooga Palu at tighthead.
Laura Bayfield will start at lock this week and captain Alana Bremner will move from flanker to the second row, replacing sister Chelsea in the number 5 jersey who is sidelined due to injury.
This makes way for Fiaali’i Solomona to start at blindside. Lucy Jenkins will again start at openside and for the sixth consecutive match, Kaipo-Olsen Baker will remain at number 8.
Matatū’s coaches have opted for consistency in the backline this week and kept their entire back unit the same after a standout performance against the Blues last week.
"Our attack has been really exciting this season, due in large part to our squad’s mindset and skillset from 1 – 23 and our ability to play rugby from anywhere. Our ability to create and take opportunities comes from the diligence and hard work of our whole squad” Hansen says.
Maia Joseph will start at halfback while Hannah King gets the nod again at first five.
Grace Brooker will start at inside centre with support from Amy du Plessis from the outside.
Chey Robins- Reti will be on the left wing with Winnie Palamo looking to make an impact on the right wing.
Kaea Nepia will again take the starting fullback position.
Kick-off: Saturday 5 April, 2.05pm Ngā Puna Wai.
Tickets on sale here.
Matatū Starting Lineup:
Marcelle Parkes
Georgia Ponsonby
Moomooga Palu
Laura Bayfield
Alana Bremner
Fiaali’i Solomona
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. Pip Love
18. Amy Rule
19. Stacey Niao
20. Sarah Jones
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Hollyrae Mete
23. Fia Laikong
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Emma Dermody, Chelsea Bremner, Eilis Doyle