Round 5 Team Naming: Matatū name team to face Hurricanes Poua as rugby hits the regions
Matatū are heading south this weekend, taking Super Rugby Aupiki to the heart of the region as we prepare to face Hurricanes Poua at Fraser Park in Timaru on Saturday afternoon.
With a home final on the line, the stakes are high. A win on Saturday would secure us the chance to play for the title in front of our own fans for the first time in Super Rugby Aupiki history – adding extra edge and motivation within the group.
For Head Coach Blair Baxter, the opportunity to take the game to Timaru is about more than just the result.
“Matatū represents the whole of the South Island so it's really important every year we take ourselves to them as they are a big part of who we are,” says Baxter.
“We're really looking forward to an awesome crowd tuning up and supporting us because this community is super important to us at Matatū.”
On the field, Matatū head into the match with a consistent style of play beginning to take shape across the opening rounds.
In the forwards, Marcelle Parkes, Nat Delamere and Pip Love will anchor the front row, while Emma Dermody and Paris Lokotui will combine at lock.
Lucy Jenkins, Elinor-Plum King and Kaipo Olsen-Baker will provide strength in the loose forward trio to complete the forward pack.
In the backs, the combination of Maia Joseph and Charntay Poko at 9 and 10 will look to control the tempo, while Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis will provide direction and experience through the midfield.
Out wide, Alena Saili and Winnie Palamo add strike power, with Maia Davis named at fullback to round out the back three.
Baxter says the side’s attacking identity continues to evolve week on week.
“We’ve been really happy with the way the girls execute our brand and the plan we want to play. It’s been cool to see them recognise opportunities and express themselves with that Matatū style of play.”
The team’s time in South Canterbury has already made an impact, with players and staff immersing themselves in the local community ahead of Saturday’s match.
Baxter says those connections are a key part of the Matatū environment.
“We’ve got a really cool experience this afternoon where there’s 150 young girls in a rugby festival which we’ll be supporting and getting around the community. It’s important for our girls and it fills their cups.”
With excitement growing around the match in South Canterbury, Baxter says the group is embracing the occasion and what it represents.
“The girls are great, we turn up every day to enjoy ourselves and get better, and that hasn’t changed from round one to round five,” says Baxter.
“Culture is important to Matatū and we’re proud to be part of what’s shaping up as a really cool spectacle down here.”
Tickets are still available here.
Matatū team to face Hurricanes Poua:
Marcelle Parkes
Nat Delamere
Pip Love
Emma Dermody
Paris Lokotui
Lucy Jenkins
Elinor-Plum King
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Charntay Poko
Alena Saili
Grace Brooker (C)
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Maia Davis
Impact
16. Jett Hayward
17. Maddi Robinson
18. Eilis Doyle
19. Sophie Kerr
20. Sarah Jones
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Holly Greenway
23. Binky Muamua