Round 4 Team Naming: Three special milestones for Matatū as we take on Chiefs Manawa

Matatū returns north this week to face Chiefs Manawa at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe, with kick-off set for 3.05pm on Saturday 4 July. 

There’s plenty to acknowledge within the group, with three players marking significant milestones in Matatū colours. Laura Bayfield, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Winnie Palamo will each bring up their Aoraki Buttercup milestone – the equivalent of three seasons with the club. 

Plus, Elinor-Plum King will take to the field for her 50th first-class game – achieving the milestone through Farah Palmer Cup and Super Rugby Aupiki competitions as well as Black Ferns XV.  

Marcelle Parkes and Pip Love will once again anchor the front row, with the injection of Holly Greenway to start at hooker this week. 

The locking duo of Laura Bayfield and Emma Dermody remains consistent, while Fiaali’i Solomona, Elinor-Plum King provide support at loose forward and Kaipo Olsen-Baker will. anchor the back of the scrum at number eight in her milestone match. 

The backs remain unchanged this week. The combination of Maia Joseph and Hannah King will look to control the game at 9 and 10, with Captain Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis combining in the midfield.  

Alena Saili and Winnie Palamo will provide some spark out wide, and at the back, Maia Davis retains the fullback role. 

Nat Delamere, Maddi Robinson, Santo Taumata, Sophie Kerr and Paris Lokotui will provide impact off the bench for the forward pack, while Kelsyn McCook, Binky Muamua and Poppy Baxter will provide some fresh legs off the bench to provide power to the backs when needed.

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Matatū team to face Chiefs Manawa:

1. Marcelle Parkes  

2. Holly Greenway 

3. Pip Love 

4. Laura Bayfield (VC) 

5. Emma Dermody 

6. Fiaali’i Solomona 

7. Elinor-Plum King 

8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker 

9. Maia Joseph 

10. Hannah King 

11. Alena Saili 

12. Grace Brooker (C) 

13. Amy du Plessis 

14. Winnie Palamo 

15. Maia Davis 

Impact
16. Nat Delamere 
17. Maddi Robinson 
18. Santo Taumata 
19. Sophie Kerr 
20. Paris Lokotui 
21. Kelsyn McCook 
22. Binky Muamua 
23. Poppy Baxter