
Waitomo Group: Waikato Women travel to the far north this week, looking for a bonus point win to move into the top spot of the Farah Palmer Cup standings for the final regular season game against Northland Kauri, at Semenoff Stadium.
Head coach, James Semple, has made several changes to his side that beat Counties Manukau last week to become the new holders of the J.J Stewart trophy and retain the Chiefs Country Cup.
The front and second rows remain unchanged. Grace Houpapa-Barrett has been named to start at hooker, which will have her run on for her 50th Waikato cap, becoming the fifth Waikato Women’s player to achieve this milestone.
The only change to the forward pack is in the loose forwards. Captain, Chyna Hohepa, has been ruled out of this match, Leata Puni-Lio comes off the bench to start at blindside flanker with Mia Anderson shifting to number 8.
Kaea Nepia has been rewarded with a start at first five eight, pushing Chelsea Semple back to her preferred position of inside centre and Rina Paraone returns to outside centre. Semple will take over the captaincy of the side in Hohepa’s absence.
Montessa Tairakena comes of the bench to start on the right wing, pushing Lela Ieremia out one spot to fullback, after Reese Anderson was ruled out due to injury.
In the reserves, after becoming a late inclusion to the reserves last week, Claudia Hobbs retains her place on the bench in the absence of Toka Natua. Violet Hapi-Wise makes her return to the matchday 23, to cover the halfback role.
After being a late inclusion for the team against Canterbury back in round 2, Carla Hohepa returns to the matchday 23 and takes her place on the bench to make her second appearance for Waikato in 2024.
Finally, Hamilton Old Boys player, Yu Sato, has been named on the bench and has a chance to make her Waikato debut.
Waitomo Group Waikato Women take on Northland Kauri at Semenoff Stadium in Whangarei, on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 4:35pm:
1. Chyann Kaitapu (Melville)
2. Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Otorohanga) – 50th Waikato Cap
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Melville)
4. Logan Hauraki (University)
5. Jade Coates (Hamilton Old Boys)
6. Leata Puni-Lio (Hamilton Old Boys)
7. Emma-Lee Heta (Otorohanga)
8. Mia Anderson
9. Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)
10. Kaea Nepia (Hamilton Old Boys)
11. Ana Marsters (Hamilton Old Boys)
12. Chelsea Semple (University) - Captain
13. Rina Paraone (Otorohanga)
14. Montessa Tairakena (Hamilton Old Boys)
15. Lela Ieremia (Melville)
16. Finau Mafi (University)
17. Claudia Hobbs (University)
18. Tafiau Fetalaiga (Hamilton Old Boys)
19. Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)
20. Violet Hapi-Wise (Suburbs)
21. Nyesha Hamilton (Hamilton Old Boys)
22. Yu Sato (Hamilton Old Boys)*
23. Carla Hohepa (Kihikihi)
* = Waikato Debut
Article added: Thursday 19 September 2024
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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