Team Naming: Round Four v Blues

Both Matatū and the Crusaders head north this week to take on the Blues at Eden Park, a huge rugby event in an iconic venue for the sport. 

Captain Alana Bremner will lead her squad out onto the turf on Saturday for Round 4. It’s our last round-robin away game of the season before we play twice at home in Ōtautahi Christchurch to round out the competition. 

Eilis Doyle starts in the front row this week alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Amy Rule. Laura Bayfield once again joins Bremner at lock, with Lucy Jenkins, Kendra Reynolds and Kaipo Olsen-Baker rounding out the forwards pack. Strength and strategy, purpose and determination. 

We’re looking at Di Hiini and Rosie Kelly at 9 and 10 once again – solid combo with massive experience. Expect speed and precision on the wings with Martha Mataele and Winnie Palamo on the left and right respectively. Winnie was named Player of the Match in her debut in Round 1 – what can we expect from her this week? 

Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis resume their duties in the centre, while Chey Robins-Reti takes up fullback.  

Atlanta Lolohea, Marcelle Parkes and Moomooga Palu stand ready to take over in the front row, while Emma Dermody and Holly Wratt-Groeneweg will be eager to get on the grass as replacement forwards. 

Maia Joseph will step in at halfback when needed as will Liv McGoverne and Charlie Woodman. Woodman will be looking to add to her Player of the Match performance last week. 

It’s a double header. It’s Eden Park. It’s North vs South on a Saturday night. Does it get any better than this?