The Hurricanes Poua are preparing for their second round of SKY Super Rugby Aupiki this weekend when they take on Matatū at 4:35PM at Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub in Christchurch on Saturday.
Head Coach Victoria Grant has named her side for Saturday’s clash, with a handful of changes to the side that fell to Chiefs Manawa last weekend and two newcomers set to make their Hurricanes Poua debut.
In the front row, Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate returns to the run-on team at hooker flanked by Black Fern prop, Krystal Murray and Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono.
World Cup winning Black Fern, Joanah Ngan-Woo links up with Manawatū cyclones co-captain, Rachael Rakatau at lock. Rakatau steps in to captain the side, following Jackie Patea-Fereti being ruled out after suffering an injury in last weekend’s loss against the Chiefs Manawa.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker makes a start at No. 8, flanked by Layla Sae on the blindside and Rhiarna Ferris at openside, rounding out the forward pack.
Iritana Hohaia returns to start at halfback and will be once again partnered at first-five by Youth Olympic Gold Medal winning teammate, Carys Dallinger.
In the midfield, Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali makes her first start at second-five, with former Black Ferns Sevens player’ Shakira Baker at centre. Isabella Waterman starts at fullback and will look for support in the form of finisher Ayesha Leti-I'iga and debutant, league convert and former Kiwi Fern Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly.
Wellington’s Maddie Feaunati will look to make her Hurricanes Poua debut off the bench.
Head Coach Victoria Grant said, “We’re looking forward to building on from last week. We were happy with that first 20 minutes and are focussed on keeping momentum this week.
I’m looking forward to seeing both our debutants in action tonight. Autumn is an athletic and elusive player who is going great with her switch back to rugby, and Maddie is coming off the bench this weekend after working hard through our preseason. She’s an exciting young talent.”
The match will be aired live on Sky Sport.
Hurricanes Poua to take on Matatu:
1 Krystal Murray
2 Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate
3 Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono
4 Joanah Ngan-Woo
5 Rachael Rakatau ©
6 Layla Sae
7 Rhiarna Ferris
8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9 Iritana Hohaia
10 Carys Dallinger
11 Ayesha Leti-I'iga
12 Victoria Subritzky-Nafatali
13 Shakira Baker
14 Autumn-Rain Stephens-Daly *
15 Isabella Waterman
Reserves:
16 Saphire Abraham
17 Sosoli Talawadua
18 Cristo Tofa
19 Kahurangi Sturmey
20 Maddie Feaunati *
21 Milly Mackey
22 Monica Tagoai
23 Crystal Mayes
*Denotes debut
Unavailable for selection: Jackie Patea-Fereti, Aroha Savage