Round 6 Team Naming: A home final within reach as Matatū name side for last round robin match
Matatū return to Ngā Puna Wai in Christchurch this Saturday to face nib Blues Women in a match that carries real weight for the group.
Kick-off is at 2.35pm, and for Matatū, the equation is simple – a win secures the chance to host a home final for the first time in the club’s history.
Head Coach Blair Baxter says the opportunity in front of the team is one they deeply value.
“To have the chance to earn the right to host a home final for the first time is really special for this group. It’s something we do not take for granted,” says Baxter.
There are a couple of changes in the forwards this week, with Laura Bayfield returning to the starting lineup at lock alongside Emma Dermody.
Marcelle Parkes, Nat Delamere and Pip Love complete the front row.
Lucy Jenkins, Elinor-Plum King and Kaipo Olsen-Baker will complete a forward pack that’ll look to be disruptive up front and lead the way for the backs who are ready to stamp their mark.
The backline remains unchanged from last week, with the combination of Maia Joseph and Charntay Poko at 9 and 10 building momentum.
Alena Saili and Winnie Palomo are continuing to impress out wide, and both get another start at wing.
The experience and power of Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis will provide control in the midfield while Maia Davis completes the backline at 15 after impressing in the last few weeks of the competition.
Georgia Ponsonby also comes back into the environment following her time in the UK and is named on the bench. Her return comes at a tough moment for Jett Hayward, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Baxter acknowledged the setback for Hayward, while also highlighting the impact Ponsonby’s return brings.
“It’s really tough to see Jett sidelined and we’re all right behind her as she begins her recovery,” says Baxter.
“At the same time, it’s exciting to welcome Georgia back into the group. She’s a player of real quality, and this is an environment she knows well and genuinely loves being part of.”
Baxter says the whole group has earned the opportunity through the work they’ve put in across the season.
“This group works incredibly hard daily to put themselves in this position. They’ve earned this moment, and you can feel how much it means to them,” says Baxter.
“I can’t wait to see them out there on Saturday, representing this team and our region.”
Matatū fans, with everything on the line, we would love nothing more than seeing you on Saturday.
Let’s fill Ngā Puna Wai and push together for the chance to bring a home final to the South Island.
Get your tickets here.
Matatū team to face nib Blues Women:
1. Marcelle Parkes
2. Nat Delamere
3. Pip Love
4. Laura Bayfield
5. Emma Dermody
6. Lucy Jenkins
7. Elinor-Plum King
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10. Charntay Poko
11. Alena Saili
12. Grace Brooker (C)
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Winnie Palamo
15. Maia Davis
Impact
16. Georgia Ponsonby
17. Maddi Robinson
18. Santo Taumata
19. Paris Lokotui
20. Sarah Jones
21. Holly Greenway
22. Kelsyn McCook
23. Binky Muamua