Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC have named their side to host Auckland Storm in front of home fans at FMG Stadium Waikato, for a Farah Palmer Cup semi-final, on Saturday afternoon.

Head coach, Greg Smith, has made nine changes to his match day 23. Toka Natua resturns from her rest week and takes over at loosehead prop replacing Caitlin Crozier. While Tanya Kalounviale trades places with Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, to start at tighthead prop. Both Natua and Kalounivale join Vici-Rose Green to make up the front row.

There is a new second row combination, after a strong game off the bench last week, Leata Puni-Lio will start at left lock and will reach her 10 game milestone that will see her acheive her Mooloo Bell. Victoria Makea also makes her return from a rest week to start at right lock.

Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland and captain, Chyna hohepa, retain their spots at blindside and number 8 respectively. While Emma-Lee Heta comes off the bench to replace Kennedy Simon at openside flanker for this match.

There is only one change to the backline, Kaea Nepia, has been upgraded from the reserves to start in the midfield at outside centre. Nepia will combine in the midfield with the very experienced, Carla Hohepa.

In the reserves, Silia Sakalia, and Aaliyah Konui have all been named as the only changes to the reserves and all have a change to add to their Waikato caps.

Leomie Kloppers has a chance to achieve a very special milestone for the province. When required Kloppers will run on for her 35^th cap for Waikato.

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC take on Auckland Storm, at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 2.05pm:

1.    Toka Natua (University)

2.    Vici-Rose Green (Hamilton Old Boys)

3.    Tanya Kalounivale (Hamilton Old Boys)

4.    Leata Puni-Lio (Hamilton Old Boys) – Mooloo Bell (10^th Waikato Game)

5.    Victoria Makea (University)

6.    Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland (Melville)

7.    Emma-Lee Heta (Kihikihi)

8.    Chyna Hohepa (Kihikihi) - Captain

9.    Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Kiriana Nolan (Kihikihi)

11.  Reese Anderson (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Carla Hohepa (Kihikihi)

13.  Kaea Nepia (Hamilton Old Boys)

14.  Chantae Wilson-Jenkins (Southern United)

15.  Lela Ieremia (Melville)

16.  Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Otorohanga)

17.  Esther Faiaoga-Tilo (Hamilton Old Boys)/Caitlin Crozier (University)

18.  Claudia Hobbs (University)

19.  Mia Anderson (University)

20.  Silia Sakalia (Melville)

21.  Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys) – 35^th Waikato game

22.  Samantha Wood (Melville)

23.  Aaliyah Konui (Hamilton Old Boys)

Article added: Friday 01 September 2023