Debutant named for Clash with Chiefs Manawa

A debutant and some considerable experience are set to take the field for Matatū when they take on the Chiefs Manawa at home in Hamilton. 

In the last round before Semi Finals and Finals, Matatū play their northern counterparts  at FMG Stadium Waikato at 2.05pm on Saturday 11 March. 

Our senior stalwarts remain strong, with Captain Alana Bremner squaring up against her sister Chelsea for the first time since she left for Hamilton, Rosie Kelly resuming duties at first five, and Renee Holmes leading from the back in 15. 

Atlanta Lolohea is likely to get time off the bench in her debut game for Matatū, her sister Martha Mataele also looking to create some impact post kick-off. 

Blair Baxter, Matatū Head Coach, acknowledged the ability of their opponents but preferred to focus on what his team were working on,

“The Chiefs are playing an exciting brand of rugby, like all the Aupiki teams are doing. They’re laden with Black Ferns, they’ve got a strong forward pack, and they’ve got Tenika Willison who’s arguably one of the form backs in the country. “

“This week isn’t necessarily around what they’re doing, it’s more around what we’re doing. we know this is round three and next week, we play for keeps. we’ve got one more week to continue to grow and get better and execute, so that’s been our main focus this week.”

Kick off is 2:05pm tomorrow at FMG Stadium in Hamilton - Live on Sky Sport.