Team Naming: Matatū name side to face Hurricanes Poua in Upper Hutt
Matatū head north this weekend to take on Hurricanes Poua in Upper Hutt, coming off a record-breaking crowd at One New Zealand Stadium last week and ready to build on that momentum.
Sunday afternoon rugby gets underway at 2.05pm at Maidstone Park.
There’s a strong sense of continuity in the side this week, with a settled starting XV with only one change in the forward pack.
Pip Love returns to tighthead prop, with the support of Maddi Robinson and Nat Delamere in the front row.
Laura Bayfield and Paris Lokotui will continue to build on their strong pairing at lock.
After a stellar three try performance last weekend, Elinor-Plum King will again start in the loose forward trio alongside Fiaali’i Solomona and Kaipo Olsen-Baker.
The backs remain unchanged from last week.
Maia Joseph and Hannah King steer the side at 9 and 10, with Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis combining in the midfield.
Out wide, Binky Muamua and Winnie Palamo offer pace and finishing ability, while Poppy Baxter completes the backfield at fullback.
The bench features a mix of experience and opportunity, with three players set to make their Super Rugby Aupiki debuts. Abigail Paton, Maia Davis and Alena Saili are all in line to earn their first caps in Matatū colours – the latter two coming from the Black Ferns Sevens environment, ready to test themselves in the 15’s format.
Matatū team to face Hurricanes Poua:
Maddi Robinson
Nat Delamere
Pip Love
Laura Bayfield (VC)
Paris Lokotui
Fiaali’i Solomona
Elinor-Plum King
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Binky Muamua
Grace Brooker (C)
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Poppy Baxter
Impact
Holly Greenway
Marcelle Parkes
Santo Taumata
Emma Dermody
Sarah Jones
Abigail Paton*
Maia Davis*
Alena Saili*
*Super Rugby Aupiki debut