The Otago Spirit prop has been named on the bench as front-row cover for Matatū’s clash against Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton.
Spirit back Maia Joseph gets another chance this week off the bench, named again as halfback cover after impressing there against the Hurricanes Poua last week.
Matatū captain Alana Bremner has been shifted from the blindside to lock this week to make way for the return of Lucy Jenkins.
The Black Fern missed last week’s game through injury, but will slot back in at openside flanker, and Kendra Reynolds moves to the blindside.
Lock Emma Dermody will start on the bench.
Amy du Plessis is a big boost for Matatū — also missing last week through injury — and resumes her role at centre.
That means Grace Brooker returns to second five, Rosie Kelly hangs on to the 10 jersey and former Exeter Chiefs back Charlie Woodman gets her first start on the wing.
Liv McGoverne provides invaluable cover to the backline off the bench.
Manawa have named a formidable side including former Matatū backs Renee Holmes and Grace Steinmetz.
Matatū will be keen to get off the mark this season in their bid to defend their Super Rugby Aupiki title.
They lost their opening game against the Blues 24-17 in Invercargill and lost in the final minutes to the Poua 36-29 last week.
Meanwhile, the Manawa are unbeaten this season having thumped the Poua 46-24 and then edging the Blues 17-10.
The Blues will face the Poua at 2.05pm.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Hamilton, today, 4.35pm
Matatū: Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Charlie Woodman, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Martha Mataele, Rosie Kelly, Di Hiini, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Lucy Jenkins, Kendra Reynolds, Laura Bayfield, Alana Bremner, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Eilis Doyle, Moomooga Palu, Emma Dermody, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg, Maia Joseph, Winnie Palamo, Liv McGoverne.
Chiefs Manawa: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Azalleyah Maaka, Grace Steinmets, Reese Anderson, Chelsea Semple, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, Chyna Hohepa, Kennedy Simon, Victoria Edmonds, Chelsea Bremner, Charmaine Smith, Tanya Kalounivale, Luka Connor, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Vici-Rose Green, Krystal Murray, Bitila Tawake, Grace Kukutai, Mia Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Kirtiana Nolan, Mererangi Paul.
