Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC are set for their final regular season Farah Palmer Cup match, when they host Wellington Pride in front of home fans at FMG Stadium Waikato, in game one of a double header on Sunday afternoon.

The team has already secured their spot in the semi-finals and are in contention to play in fron of their fans next week, as they currently sit third in the standings. But some factors need to go their way for the opprotunity to play at FMG Stadium next weekend.

Head coach, Greg Smith, has made six changes to his starting 23. Caitlin Crozier takes over from Toka Natua at loosehead prop. Crozier will join Vici-Rose Green and Esther Faiaoga-Tilo to make up the front row.  

Leomie Kloppers retains her place at lock but is joined this week by Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate, who replaces Victoria Makea in the second row.

The experienced loose forwards trio of Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland, Kennedy Simon and Chyna Hohepa remain untouched. Kennedy Simon will share the captaincy with fellow co-captain, Chyna Hohepa.

The rest of the starting XV remain unchanged from last week, with no changes to the backline.

In the reserves, Smith has opted for a six two split between forwards and backs. Tafiau Fetalaiga has been named and will have a chance to reach her ten-game milestone and earn herself a Mooloo Bell. Claudia Hobbs also comes into the reserves for this match, for a chance to earn her 14^th cap for the province.

Mia Anderson is in line for her 18^th match that will see her earn a Waikato Blazer and Emma-Lee Heta returns to the matchday 23 as the sixth forward in the split. While halfback Samantha Wood and flyhalf Kaea Nepia will provide impact to the backs when called upon.  

Waitomo Group: Waikato FPC take on Wellington Pride, at FMG Stadium Waikato, on Sunday afternoon, kick-off is at 2.05pm:

1.    Caitlin Crozier (University)

2.    Vici-Rose Green (Hamilton Old Boys)

3.    Esther Faiaoga-Tilo (Hamilton Old Boys)

4.    Leomie Kloppers (Hamilton Old Boys)

5.    Te Amohaere Ngata-Aerengamate (University)

6.    Ashlee Gaby-Sutherland (Melville)

7.    Kennedy Simon (Hamilton Old Boys)

8.    Chyna Hohepa (Kihikihi) - Captain

9.    Ariana Bayler (Hamilton Old Boys)

10.  Kiriana Nolan (Kihikihi)

11.  Reese Anderson (Hamilton Old Boys)

12.  Carla Hohepa (Kihikihi)

13.  Ana Marsters (Hamilton Old Boys)

14.  Chantae Wilson-Jenkins (Southern United)

15.  Lela Ieremia (Melville)

16.  Grace Houpapa-Barrett (Otorohanga)

17.  Tafiau Fetalaiga (Hamilton Old Boys) – Mooloo Bell (10^th Waikato Game)

18.  Claudia Hobbs (University)

19.  Leata Puni-Lio (Hamilton Old Boys)

20.  Mia Anderson (University) – Blazer Game (18^th Waikato Game)

21.  Emma-Lee Heta (Kihikihi)

22.  Samantha Wood (Melville)

23.  Kaea Nepia (Hamilton Old Boys)

Article added: Saturday 26 August 2023