Waitomo Group Waikato FPC have announced their matchday 23 as they travel to Dunedin this week to face Otago Spirit at Forsyth Barr Stadium in week 4 of the Farah Palmer Cup.

Head coach, James Semple, has made several changes to his side that beat Bay of Plenty Volcanix last weekend. After a late change last week, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu returns to the front row and takes over at loosehead prop with last weeks surprise starter, Claudia Hobbs, moving back to the reserves.

In the second row Leomie Kloppers will wear the number 4 jersey with Jade Coates coming off the bench for her first start in 2021. Mia Anderson moves from lock to blindside flanker, combining with Kennedy Simon and Victoria Edmonds to make up an impressive loose forward trio. Mia Anderson is also in line for a player milestone, Anderson is set to play her tenth match for the province which will see her earn her Mooloo bell.

In the backs, Carla Hohepa, returns to the starting line up and takes her place at centre moving Kelsey Teneti to the right wing and Cheyelle Robins-Reti to fullback in place of regular fullback Renee Holmes.

In the reserves, Hamilton Old Boys player, Montessa Tairakena, has a chance to make her Waikato debut as outside back cover.

Waitomo Group Waikato FPC take on Otago Spirit at Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedine on Saturday afternoon; kick-off is at 2.05pm. Catch the game live on Sky Sports Select.

1.    Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Hamilton Old Boys)

2.    Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Otorohanga)

3.    Tanya Kalounivale (Hamilton Old Boys)

4.    Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)

5.    Jade Coates (Hamilton Old Boys)

6.    Mia Anderson (University)

7.    Kennedy Simon (Hamilton Old Boys) – Vice Captain

8.    Victoria Edmonds (University)

9.    Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Kennedy Tahau (Hamilton Old Boys)

11.  Gaibreill Wainohu (Melville)

12.  Chelsea Alley (University) - Captain

13.  Carla Hohepa (KihiKihi)

14.  Kelsey Teneti (Hamilton Old Boys)

15.  Cheyelle Robins-Reti (Melville)

16.  Merania Paraone (Kihikihi)

17.  Claudia Hobbs (University)

18.  Esther Tilo-Faiaoga (Melville)

19.  Ryleigh Hayes (Melville)

20.  Emma-Lee Heta (Kihikihi)

21.  Rina Paraone (Kihikihi)

22.  Montessa Tairakena (Hamilton Old Boys)*

23.  Klee Begbie (Putaruru)

* = Waikato Debuts

Article added: Friday 06 August 2021