Hurricanes Poua name side for clash with

The Hurricanes Poua welcome back captain Jackie Patea-Fereti to their starting XV as the team prepares to take on Matatū in their Sky Super Rugby Aupiki (SRA) clash this Friday in Christchurch.
 
Patea-Fereti missed the last two rounds of SRA due to injury, but Poua Head Coach Ngatai Walker said she is back and ready to go for Friday’s clash down south.
 
“We are really pleased to have Jackie back in the team for this week,” said Walker.
 
“Her competitiveness, work ethic, humility and lead-by-example approach is what she brings to the team. She’s got a great understanding of the game and will add a lot to our set piece and around the field.”

Patea-Fereti will be joined in the second-row by Sam Taylor who makes her way to the starting lineup, along with outside back Fia Laikong who gets her first start. 
 
The Poua have had two wins against defending SRA champions Matatū this season (one in pre-season), but Walker said the Christchurch-based side will be tough at home and the team will not be taking them lightly.
 
“Matatū are a proud team that are well led,” said Walker.
 
“They always bring energy and aggressiveness in the contact areas, so we know that we will have to match and beat that. They will also be looking to put on a good performance in front of their families and community, so it’s going to be a tough challenge.
 
“The team has had a good honest review after the Chiefs game and are now focused on executing our skill sets on attack and defence for longer periods of the game against what will be a determined Matatū side.”
 
The Hurricanes Poua side to take on Matatū at Apollo Projects Stadium on Friday, 29 March. Kick-off 4.00pm.
 
 
1 Marilyn Fanoga
2 Cristo Taufua
3 Leilani Perese
4 Sam Taylor
5 Jackie Patea-Fereti (Captain)
6 Elinor-Plum King
7 Rhiarna Ferris
8 Layla Sae
9 Iritana Hohaia
10 Hannah King 
11 Fia Laikong
12 Rangimarie Sturmey
13 Shakira Baker
14 Leilani Hakiwai 
15 Isabella Waterman
 
Replacements:
16 Denise Aiolupotea
17 Tori Iosefo
18 Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker
19 Kahurangi Sturmey
20 Rachael Rakatau
21 Paige Lush
22 Monica Tagoai
23 Harmony Kautai