March 14, 2022

Waitomo Chiefs Manawa named to face Hurricanes Poua

After a thrilling first match against Matatū, the Waitomo Chiefs Manawa have been named to face the Hurricanes Poua this Tuesday March 15 at 3.35pm. The fixture will be the first match in a double-header at FMG Stadium Waikato, followed by the Blues facing Matatū at 7.05pm.

Waitomo Chiefs Head Coach Allan Bunting has kept a similar line-up to the team that defeated Matatū with a few players moving into starting positions. No changes have been made to the starting forward pack or the forward replacements which faced Matatū last Thursday. Forwards Jayjay Taylor and Merania Paraone will look to make their debuts off the bench.

In the backs, Ariana Bayler gains her first start of the season at halfback as does Langi Veainu of the left wing. Black Fern veteran Renee Wickliffe moves from the bench to start at second five-eighth in an otherwise unchanged starting backline.

On the bench, changes to the backs feature Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu to cover halfback in jersey 22 and Georgia Daals as utility back cover in jersey 23. Black Fern midfielder Chelsea Semple returns, named on the bench for the first time this season in jersey 24. Ruby Tui shifts to the bench to provide outside back cover to round out the named twenty-five.

Waitomo Chiefs Manawa Head Coach Allan Bunting said the team have managed the quick turnaround as best as possible.

“It was great to be part of history last week in what was an intense game. Matatū were impressive both sides of the ball and really tested us, we started really well and played some exciting rugby but certainly need to adapt a lot quicker. We were proud of the heart our Waitomo Chiefs Manawa showed and our desperation to scramble well enough to hold on. We know the Hurricanes Poua are eager to hit the field and will bring a lot of energy and excitement. We have managed the quick turnaround as best as we can to meet them head on.” said Bunting.

“It will be great to be part of the double header and also see the Blues take the field. We hope our fans enjoyed the mid-week footy last week and with two matches in the one evening it’s sure to be another great showcase of the inaugural competition.” finished Bunting.

The match will be broadcasted live on Sky Sport and Prime.

Waitomo Chiefs Manawa to face Hurricanes Poua:

1. Angel Mulu
2. Luka Connor
3. Tanya Kalounivale
4. Victoria Edmonds
5. Harono Te Iringa
6. Pia Tapsell
7. Les Elder ©
8. Kennedy Simon
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Kelly Brazier
11. Langi Veainu
12. Renee Wickliffe
13. Carla Hohepa
14. Portia Woodman
15. Hazel Tubic

Reserves:
16. Merania Paraone*
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Santo Taumata
19. Mia Anderson
20. Jayjay Taylor*
21. Tynealle Fitzgerald
22. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu
23. Georgia Daals
24. Chelsea Semple
25. Ruby Tui

*Denotes Waitomo Chiefs Manawa debutant

Unavailable for selection:
Stacey Fluhler, Kelsie Wills.

Game Day Information:
Round Two Fixture: Waitomo Chiefs Manawa vs. Hurricanes Poua, Tuesday 15 March, 3.35pm
Location: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Broadcast: Live on Sky Sport and Prime.

Waitomo Chiefs Manawa named to face Hurricanes Poua