Chelsea Bremner (left) is suiting up for Matatū this season after returning south from the Chiefs Manawa, joining siter Alana (right). PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES
Chelsea Bremner can still remember the first time she suited up alongside her sister, Alana.
Chelsea was yellow carded during her debut for Lincoln University and her younger sister gave her a gentle nudge as where to go.
"I didn’t understand what that meant ... Alana told me I had to go stand under the post," Chelsea said.
"We definitely got the rule book out straight after that — she’s come a long way," Alana said.
They have played for Canterbury, Matatū and the Black Ferns together and now get another chance in Super Rugby Aupiki to pack down together.
Chelsea has returned home to Matatū this season, after two seasons with the Chiefs Manawa.
"It’s so awesome just being back home.
"Obviously playing alongside Alana and being back in the Matatū jersey.
"Our team’s talking about whakapapa this year.
"Being able to wear the same jersey as Alana is a massive part of that for me."
She will come up against her former team-mates when Matatū plays their Super Rugby Aupiki game in Hamilton this afternoon.
"I know all those girls love a bit of contact.
"We’re out there ready to match that.
"We’re really excited for this weekend to show that we’re going to bring the physicality."
There is another sister duo among the Matatū squad in Tayla and Keighly Simpson.
Head coach Whitney Hansen also has her sister, Jessie, alongside her among the Matatū management.
"It’s pretty cool getting to work with my sister," Hansen said.
"She’s my best mate and she absolutely makes me a better coach every day."
Hansen said no team was an easy win in Super Rugby Aupiki and expected the level to lift again this season.
"Everyone’s evolving, everyone’s growing, and no team can be taken lightly."
Former Hurricanes Poua play maker Hannah King will make her Matatū debut at first five.
The breakthrough World Rugby Player of the Year nominee will be tasked with providing some stability running the middle.
Otago Spirit back Charlotte Va’afusuaga will make her Matatū debut when she comes off the bench.
Va’afusuaga had a standout Farah Palmer Cup campaign, while she was still at school, and was named the Spirit Player of the Year.
Jett Hayward, Kelsyn McCook and Keighley Simpson are also in line for their debuts off the bench.
Otago Spirit hooker Tegan Hollows, Chey Robins Reti and Hollyrae Mete are unavailable due to injury.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Hamilton, 2.05pm
Matatū: Kaea Nepia, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Fia Laikong, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Lucy Jenkins, Alana Bremner, Chelsea Bremner, Laura Bayfield, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Jett Hayward, Marcelle Parkes, Moomooga Palu, Emma Dermody, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kelsyn McCook, Charlotte Va’afusuaga, Keighley Simpson.
Chiefs Manawa: Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Mererangi Paul, Kelly Brazier, Reese Anderson, Hazel Rubiv, Ariana Bayler, Mia Anderson, Kennedy Tukuafu, Chyna Hohepa, Jade Coates, Charmain Smith, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakelelu, Vici-Rose Green, Kate Henwood. Reserves: Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Krystal Murray, Tanya Kalounivale, Leata Puni-Lio, Keelah Bodle, Holli O’Sullivan, Kiriana Nolan, Shoshanah Seumanutafa.
