Otago Spirit coach Craig Sneddon has named a settled lineup to take on top-of-the-table Manawatu Cyclones at the University Oval tomorrow.
Te Atawhai Campbell comes into the side on the wing as the sole change to the starting side, with Charlotte Va’afusuaga shifting to the bench.
Campbell, who is in year 13 at Otago Girls’, brings a bunch of physicality to the backline and has taken the chances when she has come on so far.
"She’s trained very well the last few weeks ... she’s bringing a lot of energy off the bench," Sneddon said.
"We just felt she probably earned her spot this week.
"Give her a chance to start and see what she can do there."
She joins Sheree Hume, who was outstanding in the Spirit’s in their 37-12 against North Harbour Hibiscus last Saturday, and a solid midfield combination of Keely Hill and Cheyenne Cunningham.
Prop Rebekah Wairau retains her starting spot after her blazer game last weekend, packing down with the experienced Eilis Doyle and Tegan Hollows.
Kayley Johnson is rewarded with another start at lock after a solid performance, flanked by in-form loose forward trio Zoe Whatarau, Leah Miles and Bella Rewiri-Wharerau.
Nippy halfback Georgia Cormick and first five Maia Joseph have controlled their side nicely and have continued to build over the past few weeks.
They all stepped up against North Harbour, much to the delight of Sneddon.
"I think what was pleasing was we stuck to what we’ve been trying to do all year.
"I think we played a pretty good style of rugby.
"We were probably unlucky not to score another couple as well.
"We were pretty stoked with how it went."
That momentum will be key when the Spirit host the Cyclones at University Oval tomorrow, who have set the benchmark all year.
The Cyclones will have an added incentive to keep their winning streak alive, with Selica Winiata bringing up her 100th cap after debuting back in 2001.
Farah Palmer Cup
The team
Otago Spirit: Sheree Hume, Te Atawhai Campbell, Cheyenne Cunningham, Keely Hill, Jamie Church, Maia Joseph, Georgia Cormick, Bella Rewiri-Wharerau, Leah Miles, Zoe Whatarau, Julia Gorinski, Kayley Johnson, Rebekah Wairau, Tegan Hollows, Eilis Doyle. Reserves: Paige Church, Isla Pringle, Pesalini Lave-Heehau, Sammie Bean, Hannah Lithgow, Abigail Paton, Oceana Campbell, Charlotte Va’afusuaga.
