Matatū play their final game of their Super Rugby Aupiki campaign against the Chiefs Manawa in Christchurch this afternoon.
The team representing the South Island is unable to defend their Super Rugby title after losing the opening three games, but will be in good spirits to finish off strongly after an electric 37-17 win against Hurricanes Poua last week.
They played some expansive rugby, exposing the Poua’s gaps on defence, and fronted up in the forwards.
All that, and more, will be required against the Manawa, who will be hurting after the Blues — who they will meet in the Super Rugby final
next week — handed them their first loss of the season in
their 40-26 drubbing.
Matatū head coach Whitney Hansen has named an unchanged front row, but captain Alana Bremner makes the shift to lock to make room for Kaipo Olsen-Baker, who returns from injury, at the back of the scrum.
Olsen-Baker rejoins the potent loose forward trio of Black Ferns Kendra Reynolds and Lucy Jenkins.
Liv McGoverne has retained her spot at first five, which pushes Rosie Kelly to fullback again, with Winnie Palamo and Cheyelle Robins-Reti on the wings with Martha Mataele ruled out through injury.
Grace Brooker — who was a standout last week — and Amy du Plessis continued their formidable combination in the middle.
Matatū have opted for a six-two split on the bench, with Otago Spirit halfback Maia Joseph and midfielder Cheyenne Cunningham providing cover for the backs.
Otago Spirit prop Eilis Doyle is also on the bench.
Manawa have named another strong team with former Matatū fullback Renee Holmes and midfielder Grace Steinmetz named to start.
Black Ferns winger Ruby Tui and midfielder Mererangi Paul add firepower, alongside halfback Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu.
Black Ferns captain Kennedy Simon headlines a solid loose forward trio, Charmaine Smith is brutal at lock and Seina Saito gets the start at hooker in place of Luka Connor, the competition’s leading try-scorer.
Hazel Tubic returns to the bench this week and prop Krystal Murray adds plenty off the bench.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Christchurch, 4.05pm
Matatū: Rosie Kelly, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Winnie Palamo, Liv McGoverne, Di Hiini, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Kendra Reynolds, Lucy Jenkins, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Eilis Doyle Moomooga Palu, Emma Dermody, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Maia Joseph, Fiaali’i Solomona, Cheyenne Cunningham
Chiefs Manawa: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Mererangi Paul, Grace Steinmetz, Reese Anderson, Chelsea Semple, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Victoria Edmonds, Kennedy Simon, Mia Anderson, Charmaine Smith, Chyna Hohepa, Tanya Kalounivale, Seina Saito, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Krystal Murray, Bitila Tawake, Grace Kukutai, Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland, Ariana Bayler, Hazel Tubic, Azalleyah Maaka.
