Chiefs Manawa head coach Dwayne Sweeney has made five personnel changes ahead for his side’s showdown with the Blues on Friday night in Round 2 of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.
Bay of Plenty centre Azalleyah Maaka joins the run-on side, along with Olympic gold medalist Tenika Willison, who comes in at fullback.
Santo Taumata, Rebecca Burch and Martha Mataele all slot in on the bench, with the latter two set to make their Chiefs Manawa debut in the fixture at Eden Park.
Mataele, whose husband Manasa made his club debut for the Gallagher Chiefs last Saturday, has come into the Round 2 squad as an injury replacement.
The forward pack is unchanged from last Saturday’s 31-25 loss to Matatū at FMG Stadium Waikato, while Mererangi Paul’s move to the wing is the only other switch in the backline.
The match serves as a re-match of last year’s competition finale, won by the Blues 24-18, while last month the two sides also met in a pre-season hit out.
Chiefs Manawa v Blues, Friday March 7, 5.05pm kick-off at Eden Park
- Kate Henwood
- Vici Rose-Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Charmaine Smith
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
- Mia Anderson
- Ariana Bayler
- Hazel Tubic
- Mererangi Paul
- Kelly Brazier
- Azalleyah Maaka
- Ruby Tui
- Tenika Willison
- Grace Houpapa-Barrett
- Krystal Murray
- Santo Taumata
- Rebecca Burch (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Martha Mataele (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Holli O’Sullivan
- Kiriana Nolan
- Renee Holmes
Chiefs Manawa injury update ahead of Round 2
- Logan Hauraki, Lower back, Short-term
- Grace Kukutai, Knee, Short-term
- Rosie Kelly, Calf, Short-term
- Leata Puni-Lio, Shoulder, Short-term
- Tanya Kalounivale, Finger, Mid-term (4-6 weeks)
