
Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have announced their first side of 2023 as they get set to face Bay of Plenty Volcanix in game one of the Farah Palmer Cup at Rotorua International Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
The Chiefs Country Cup will again be contested for, Waikato the current holders will have to defend the silverware in enemy territory, they will be looking to defend the silverware against the same team they won it off back in 2020.
Head coach, Greg Smith, has named Caitlin Crozier to make her provincial debut at loosehead prop. Crozier will be joined by Varisty teammate, Claudia Hobbs, at tight head. Vici-Rose Green has been named at hooker to make up the front row.
In the second row, two more players will make their debut for the province they are University lock, Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate and Melville’s Silia Sakalia.
It is an experienced loose forward trio, that will see Victoria Makea, Emma-Lee Heta and Captain, Chyna Hohepa combine at blindside flanker, openside flanker and number eight respectively, with all three players combining for a total of 134 provincial caps.
Melville’s, Samantha Wood, will make a run-on debut, after being named at halfback. She is joined in the halves by Kiriana Nolan who will start at first five eight.
Ana Marsters returns to play after several years away from the game and will start at inside centre. She is joined in the midfield by, Rina Paraone, who will play at outside centre.
The outside backs feature powerhouse winger, Merania Paraone, on the left wing, Chantae Wilson-Jenkins on the right and Lela Ieramia starts at fullback.
Plenty of firepower to provide impact off the bench, with Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Tafiau Fetalaiga, Leomie Kloppers, Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland, Ariana Bayler and Carla Hohepa all named. While Hamilton Old Boys prop, Baylee Maniapoto, and flyhalf, Kaea Nepia, have a chance to make their Waikato debuts from the reserves.
Waikato take on Bay of Plenty Volcanix at Rotorua International Stadium, Rotorua on Saturday, kick-off is at 2.05pm:
1. Caitlin Crozier (University)*
2. Vici-Rose Green (Hamilton Old Boys)
3. Claudia Hobbs (University)
4. Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate (University)*
5. Silia Sakalia (Melville)*
6. Victoria Makea (University)
7. Emma-Lee Heta (Kihikihi)
8. Chyna Hohepa (Kihikihi) – Captain
9. Samantha Wood (Melville)*
10. Kiriana Nolan (Kihikihi)
11. Merania Paraone (Kihikihi)
12. Ana Marsters (Hamilton Old Boys)
13. Rina Paraone (Kihikihi)
14. Chantae Wilson-Jenkins (Southern United)
15. Lela Ieremia (Melville)
16. Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Otorohanga)
17. Baylee Maniapoto (Hamilton Old Boys)*
18. Tafiau Fetalaiga (Hamilton Old Boys)
19. Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)
20. Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland (Melville)
21. Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)
22. Carla Hohepa (Kihikihi)
23. Kaea Nepia (Hamilton Old Boys)*
* = Waikato Debuts
Article added: Friday 14 July 2023
Waikato Rugby
PO Box 9507
FMG Stadium Waikato Level 3,
Gate 5 / 128 Seddon Road, Whitiora 3204
Hamilton
P 021 704 944 E admin@mooloo.co.nz
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