The SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Women’s team has been named for their first defence of the Chiefs Country Cup against Bay of Plenty Volcanix at Matata Rugby Club on Saturday (8 September) in week two of the 2018 Farah Palmer Cup.

Last weekend’s match between the SKYCITY Hamilton Waikato Women and Counties Manukau Women was the inaugural clash for the Chiefs Country Cup in the women’s competition. Waikato had a come from behind victory to claim the trophy and this weekend will defend it against provincial neighbours Bay of Plenty.

SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Women’s head coach, Wayne Maxwell, has made minimal changes to the side that won last weekend. The only change to the starting XV is at Hooker with Azusa Yama coming into the side and is will make her debut for the province.

The only other change is in the reserves, Melville Prop, Esther Tilo, comes into the match day 22 as Prop cover and has another opportunity to add to her one provincial cap. Tilo, made her Waikato debut last weekend as a late change to the match day 22.

The day kicks off with a curtain raiser from 1pm with the YMCA Waikato Women’s Under 18’s team taking on the Bay of Plenty Under 18’s.

SkyCity Hamilton Waikato Women take on Bay of Plenty Volcanix at Matata Rugby Club on Saturday afternoon, kick-off is at 2.45pm.

1.    Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Melville)

2.    Azusa Yama (Hamilton Old Boys)*

3.    Tanya Kalounivale (Hamilton Old Boys)

4.    Karli Faneva (Melville)

5.    Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)

6.    Kennedy Simon (Hamilton Old Boys)

7.    Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland (Melville)

8.    Natalie Delamare (University)

9.    Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Chelsea Alley – Vice Captain (University)

11.  Donna Fermanis (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Ryleigh Hayes (Melville)

13.  Rina Paraone (University)

14.  Ana Marsters (Hamilton Old Boys)

15.  Makaia Te Kawana(Hamilton Old Boys)

16.  Sosoli Talawadua – Captain (University)

17.  Esther Tilo (Melville)

18. Lena Mitchell (Hamilton Old Boys)

19.  Emma-Lee Heta (University)

20.  Kanyon Paul (Melville)

21.  Calista Wihone (University)

22.  Lonita Ngalu-Lavemei (Melville)

* = Waikato debut

Article added: Friday 07 September 2018