Hurricanes Poua side for Chiefs Manawa clash

The Hurricanes Poua are gearing up for an exciting Sky Super Rugby Aupiki clash against the table-topping Chiefs Manawa on Friday at CET Arena in Palmerston North.
 
Head Coach Ngatai Walker has named an unchanged starting XV that took on the Blues in Auckland last week, with regular Captain Jackie Patea-Fereti still unavailable due to injury. Layla Sae and Iritana Hohaia remain as co-captains for this match.
 
However, hooker Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker and outside back Fia Laikong are set to make their debuts from the bench.
 
Walker said the team have been training well in preparation for this match which included a thorough review of where the team could improve after their loss against the Blues.
 
“This week we’ve been looking at improving our execution at set piece and making sure we get some things right like making sure there is support when we make our line breaks,” said Walker.
 
“We stayed in the fight against the Blues in that first half, but we mentally switched off for a period in the second half where the Blues played some good rugby and scored six tries. We’re hoping to right some wrongs from last week in this game.”
 
Walker said the team were looking forward to playing the opening match of the double-header in Palmerston North, with the Hurricanes match against the Melbourne Rebels to follow.
 
“We’re really pumped for this game,” said Walker.
 
“We’ve got a few Manawatū players in our group and I know they’ve been looking forward to this match as they will get to play in front of their family and home fans.”
 
The Hurricanes Poua match against Chiefs Manawa kicks-off at 4.35pm, with the men’s team kicking-off at 7.05pm.
 
The first 1,000 child tickets will go free! Fans will also get the chance to meet the Hurricanes players on the field after the game, so don’t miss out and purchase your tickets here.
 
Hurricanes Poua team to play Chiefs Manawa at Central Energy Trust Arena in Palmerston North.
 
1 Denise Aiolupotea
2 Cristo Taufua
3 Leilani Perese
4 Rachael Rakatau
5 Kahurangi Sturmey
6 Elinor-Plum King
7 Rhiarna Ferris
8 Layla Sae (Captain)
9 Iritana Hohaia (Captain)
10 Hannah King
11 Harmony Kautai
12 Monica Tagoai
13 Shakira Baker
14 Leilani Hakiwai
15 Isabella Waterman
 
Replacements:
 
16 Tori Iosefo
17 Sam Taylor
18 Olioli Mua
19 Cilia-Marie Po'e Tofaeono
20 Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker
21 Paige Lush
22 Te Rauoriwa Gapper
23 Fia Laikong