Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have announced their matchday 23 for their Farah Palmer Cup Final against Canterbury at Rugby Park in Christchurch on Saturday afternoon.

Head coach, James Semple, has made only two changes to his matchday 23, rewarding the majority of the players that beat Wellington Pride last weekend. 

The only change to the starting XV is in the front row with hooker, Merania Paraone, being named to start. Paraone trades places with Ryleigh Hayes who will provide impact from the reserves.

In the reserves, Stephanie Lualua has been brought in as prop cover as the final change and replaces Tafiau Fetalaiga.

This match will mark an important milestone for loose forward, Victoria Edmonds, as she runs out to make her 50th Waikato appearance, making her the first women’s player to represent the province in 50 matches. Edmonds first debut for the province back in 2012 as Waikato Women’s cap #113.

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC take on Canterbury at Rugby Park, Christchurch on Saturday afternoon; kick-off is at 2.05pm. Catch the game live on SKY Sports 1.

1.    Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Hamilton Old Boys)

2.    Merania Paraone (Kihikihi)

3.    Esther Tilo-Faiaoga (Hamilton Old Boys)

4.    Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)

5.    Chyna Hohepa (Kihikihi) - Captain

6.    Mia Anderson (University)

7.    Emma-Lee Heta (Kihikihi)

8.    Victoria Edmonds (University) 50th Appearance for Waikato 

9.    Klee Begbie (Putaruru)

10.  Kennedy Tahau (Hamilton Old Boys)

11.  Gaibreill Wainohu (Melville)

12.  Rina Paraone (Kihikihi)

13.  Kelsey Teneti (Hamilton Old Boys)

14.  Montessa Tairakena (Hamilton Old Boys)

15.  Tenika Willison (Otorohanga)

16.  Ryleigh Hayes (Melville)

17.  Claudia Hobbs (University)

18.  Stephanie Lualua (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Jade Coates (Hamilton Old Boys)

20.  Huia Harding (Melville)

21.  Nikita Porima (Melville)

22.  Kiriana Nolan (Kihikihi)

23.  Reese Anderson (Hamilton Old Boys)

For further information please contact:

Joel Skulander

WRU Media Executive

021 803 478

joels@mooloo.co.nz

Article added: Friday 08 October 2021