But that does not make the Otago halfback any less excited to be making her Matatū debut against the Hurricanes Poua on Sunday.
The East Otago product, who was also part of the Super Rugby Aupiki side last year but never got on the field, has been named on the bench and will replace fellow Otago halfback Maia Joseph when she runs out in Upper Hutt.
‘‘It’s always exciting when you get to play rugby with your mates,’’ Paton said.
‘‘Maia’s got a lot of great knowledge, she’s such a cool person with so much to offer and such a student of the game.
‘‘Working alongside her has been definitely fun and a great way to develop my game.’’
Paton made her debut for the United States, where she was born, during the Pacific Four Series earlier this year.
That experience helped Paton develop an even deeper love for the game.
‘‘Sometimes, in various places, you’re training a lot and maybe not playing your face.
‘‘I’ve come in with a massive love, refreshed love for the game.
‘‘I think a lot of it has to do with [what] probably God’s put on my heart - the word ‘joy’ this year.
‘‘Coming off the [United] States, just so much joy and playing rugby, and training, with my mates and getting to live this lifestyle for the time that I have it.’’
Matatū had a 52-26 victory in front of 11,793 fans in Christchurch last week, a record of a New Zealand women’s domestic game.
Watching the game from the stands, Paton said seeing so many people support the women’s game, the atmosphere was unbelievable.
‘‘It really seemed to unify a lot of people in a lot of ways.
‘‘I think we probably won over quite a few people to Matatū.’’
Matatu spoke this week about climbing its own Mount Everest and making sure it carried momentum from the ‘‘bang high’’ of last week at the Poua match.
‘‘We just need to carry on that momentum and stick to our systems.
‘‘Be diligent in winning moments at training, winning the little things off the field so that we don’t die descending and can continue the momentum to the mountain which will be the final.’’
Otago flanker Sarah Jones will also come off the bench for Matatū, while Black Fern Sevens player Alena Saili, who hails from Southland, will make her debut off the bench.
Otago hooker Tegan Willocks (nee Hollows) will make her debut for Poua and Greer Muir remains at No 8, while Maddie Flutey will come off the bench again for Chiefs Manawa when they meet the Blues on Saturday.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Sunday, 2.05pm, Upper Hutt
Matatū: Poppy Baxter, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Binky Muamua, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Fiaali'i Solomona, Paris Lokotui, Laura Bayfield, Pip Love, Nat Delamere, Maddi Robinson.
Reserves: Holly Greenway, Marcelle Parkes, Santo Taumata, Emma Dermody, Sarah Jones, Abigail Paton, Maia Davis, Alena Saili
Hurricanes Poua: Arene Landon-Lane, Keira Su’a-Smith, Leilani Hakiwai, Kokako Raki, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Renee Holmes, Iritana Hohaia, Greer Muir, Keelah Bodle, Anahera Hamahona, Stacey Niao, Sam Taylor, Brooke Rempel, Tegan Willocks, Ngano Tavake.
Reserves: Keiana Roffey, Angel Mulu, Faythe Finau, Brianna Wallace, Lily Murray-Wihongi, Litia Bulicakau, Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Hinemaringi Scott.
