A familiar face with a different surname will lead Chiefs Manawa in their season-opening Sky Super Rugby Aupiki clash against Matatū this Saturday (2.05pm kick-off) at FMG Stadium Waikato.
Kennedy Tukuafu (née Simon) will skipper the new-look side, which includes six debutantes as well as a new head coach in Dwayne Sweeney.
Included in the group are Mia Anderson and Renee Holmes – try-scorers in last year’s final loss to the Blues – along with familiar faces in Ruby Tui, Krystal Murray and Chyna Hohepa.
The Manawa match forms part of an action-packed day at FMG Stadium Waikato, with the Rugby and Rhythms music festival taking place throughout the day as well, along with the ladder-leading Gallagher Chiefs taking on the Brumbies later at 4.35pm.
In their two head-to-head meetings last season Manawa and Matatū claimed a win apiece, with the 38-22 winners in Hamilton and Matatū getting up 22-20 in Christchurch later in the season.
Chiefs Manawa v Matatū, Saturday March 1, 2.05pm kick-off, FMG Stadium Waikato
- Kate Henwood
- Vici-Rose Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Charmaine Smith
- Jade Coates (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Chyna Hohepa
- Kennedy Tukuafu
- Mia Anderson
- Ariana Bayler
- Hazel Tubic
- Reese Anderson
- Kelly Brazier
- Mererangi Paul
- Ruby Tui
- Renee Holmes
- Grace Houpapa-Barrett
- Krystal Murray
- Tanya Kalounivale
- Leata Puni-Lio (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Keelah Bodle (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Holli O’Sullivan (Chiefs Manawa debut)
- Kiriana Nolan
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa (Chiefs Manawa debut)
