Matatū are looking to bounce back from their first defeat of the season.
That could spell bad news for the Hurricanes Poua.
The two sides will play in Upper Hutt this afternoon.
Matatū posted a convincing 29-7 against the Poua in Christchurch earlier this month.
But last weekend’s outing against the Blues was a reality check.
The Blues cruised to a 28-7 win and have set the benchmark in Super Rugby Aupiki this season.
They were good but Matatū coughed up a lot of ball on attack. They struggled with the line speed of the Blues, so that could be a bit of a blueprint for the Poua to follow.
The Poua are coming off a heavy defeat to the Chiefs Manawa. The 46-7 loss was a further reminder of how far off the pace they have been in the opening three weeks.
They let themselves down with too many handling errors and defensively they were off the pace.
They will be looking to rebound as well.
Matatū loosehead Pip Love returns to the front row this week alongside Georgia Ponsonby and Amy Rule.
The remainder of the forward pack remains unchanged.
Lucy Jenkins has solidified her place at openside and Kaipo Olsen-Baker retains the No 8 jersey after a strong effort at the breakdown in the loss to the Blues.
There are a couple of changes out wide. Fia Laikong returns at left wing and Winnie Palamo gets the nod on the right.
Otago halfback Maia Joseph will combine again with first five Hannah King.
Fullback Kaea Nepia and centre Amy du Plessis were two of the better-performed players for Matatū and will go again.
The Poua have named Jayme Nuku at hooker. She gets her first start for 2025.
Black Fern Iritana Hohaia returns at halfback and Hawke’s Bay midfielder Leilani Hakiwai will start at No 13.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Upper Hutt, 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: Tegan Hollows, Marcelle Parkes, Moomooga Palu, Emma Dermody, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kelsyn McCook, Hollyrae Mete, Keighley Simpson.
Hurricanes Poua: Cassie Siataga, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Leilani Hakiwai, Rangimarie Sturmey, Harmony Kautai, Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Iritana Hohaia, Layla Sae, Elinor-Plum King, Olioli Mua, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Samantha Taylor, Nina Poletti, Jayme Nuku, Ngano Tavake. Reserves: Denise Aiolupotea, Angel Mulu, Forne Burkin, Joanah Ngan Woo, Paige Lush, Kahurangi Sturmey, Monica Tagoai, Isabella Waterman.
