Strong 23 Named for Southland Opener v Blues

Whitney Hansen and her Matatū coaching group have named their squad to take on the Blues in Round 1 of Super Rugby Aupiki 2024. 

Following the rivers and mountains of Te Waka Aoraki, Matatū travel south to Invercargill for the clash, taking the field at Rugby Park for a Saturday 4.35pm kick off.  

The side includes six potential debuts in the jersey, including four Aupiki debuts for Laura Bayfield, Winnie Palamo, Holly Wratt-Groeneweg and Cheyenne Cunningham. 

Kaipo Olsen-Baker starts at 8 in her first game for the club, joined by fellow loose forwards Alana Bremner (captain) and Kendra Reynolds. It’s an all Black Ferns front row in Pip Love, Georgia Ponsonby and Amy Rule – Rule returning home to Southland for this one. 

Laura Bayfield squares up alongside Emma Dermody who also calls Southland home. 

Liv McGoverne returns from considerable minutes and action with the Exeter Chiefs in England, rejoining her old teammates and finding the 10 jersey hung in her locker, ready to create some playmaking chemistry with Di Hiini at halfback. 

All eyes are on the wings for Matatū in Round 1, with Martha Mataele dangerous on the left, and youngster Winnie Palamo on the right. Palamo, who turns 20 today, fronted for Canterbury in their run to the final in 2023’s Farah Palmer Cup. 

Winnie Palamo and Kaipo Olsen-Baker are both set to make their debut for Matatū tomorrow.

Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis take up position in the mid-field with Rosie Kelly at fullback. 

Atlanta Lolohea, Marcelle Parks and Moomooga Palu stand ready to make an impact in the front row, while Holly Wratt-Groeneweg eyes up an Aupiki debut as part of the team’s forward pack. 

Lucy Jenkins and Maia Joseph (on debut) are set to bring the energy, as are Georgia Cormick, Cheyenne Cunningham and Eilis Doyle. When she takes the field it’ll be Cunningham’s Aupiki debut. 

It’s a huge occasion for the team as they take Matatū on the road, with Southland expected to turn up with passion and noise to support their Super Rugby Aupiki side. 

Broadcast kicks off at 4.15pm on Sky Sport 1, but as always the best place to take in this action is from the ground. Southlanders, and South Islanders, don’t miss your chance to see Matatū begin their title defence.