The Otago Spirit will look to build from their thrilling last-gasp victory in the opening round of the Farah Palmer Cup.
Replacement back Te Atawhai Campbell put in a sneaky step to find the try line after the buzzer had gone to help the Spirit win 24-21 against the North Harbour Hibiscus in last week’s championship game.
It was a great start for the Spirit, who remained strong to weather the storm from the Hibiscus, and will need that again when they face the Manawatu Cyclones in Palmerston North today.
Coach Craig Sneddon has stuck with the experienced starting side from last week’s victory to face the Cyclones.
Captain Julia Gorinski, who had a nasty knock to her knee in round one, will suit up for her 60th game in the blue and gold.
Jamie Church, who was in the thick of it last week, and Oceana Campbell remain on the wings, with Cheyenne Cunningham and Keely Hill in the middle.
Georgia Cormick and Sheree Hume are again the 9-10 combination and Greer Muir is at No 8.
There are a couple new faces on the Spirit bench, however.
Naomi Sopoaga, sister of former Highlanders first five, Lima, and Rikki Fitzgerald are in line to make their debuts off the bench.
Both had strong club seasons for Dunedin Ururoa and will bring plenty of energy if they get the chance.
Experienced prop Eilis Doyle returns and will come off the bench in her 45th game.
The Cyclones, who were beaten finalists last year, have always been strong and thumped the Taranaki Whio 86-7 last week.
Hooker Jayme Nuku will play her 50th game, while Riahn Brickland and Talah Barrett will make their debuts off the bench.
Farah Palmer Cup
The teams
Otago Spirit: Charlotte Va’afusuaga, Oceana Campbell, Cheyenne Cunningham, Keely Hill, Jamie Church, Sheree Hume, Georgia Cormick, Greer Muir, Zoe Frood, Bella Rewiri-Wharerau, Julia Gorinski, Sammie Bean, Rebekah Wairau, Tegan Hollows, Isla Pringle. Reserves: Hannah Lithgow, Eilis Doyle, Paige Church, Rikki Fitzgerald, Kayley Johnson, Lininia Kaufana, Te Atawhai Campbell, Naomi Sopoaga.
Manawatu Cyclones: Selica Winiata, Alesha Williams, Hollyrae Mete, Rangimarie Sturmy, Wikitoria Doyle, Corrineke Windle, Molly Scuffil-Mccabe, Kahurangi Sturmey, Anahera Hamahona, Elinor-Plum King, Sam Taylor, Brianna Wallace, Ruby-May Ngaruhe, Jayme Nuku, Katelyn Donaldson. Reserves: Te Uarangi Olsen-Baker, Ngano Tavake / Holly Powell, Sosoli Talawadua, Riahn Brickland, Taufa Bason, Taylah Barrett, Jayda Maniapoto, Kaia Walker-Waitoa.
