News

Seven players have been selected to debut in the Counties Manukau Heat side to contest the opening game of the Farah Palmer Cup against Canterbury at Navigation Homes Stadium on Saturday.

Talented teenage prop Fou Sefo headlines the list of ladies set to make their debuts, joining new-look midfield pairing of Shoshanah Seumanutafa and Yurina Shinno, as well as bench players Mafi Pasikala, Esther Amataga, Ffion Penney and Mele Latu’ila in the first line-up of the season.

Experienced forward Ti Tauasosi will play in her blazer game, starting up front after missing most of last season with a leg injury.

The Black Ferns contingent of Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Hazel Tubic will guide the side around the park from halfback and first-five respectively while the talented Jaymie Kolose starts at fullback.

“It’s been a successful pre-season program. The whole group of players and management are ready to kick on with the competition,” said Women’s High Performance and Pathways Manager Peter Shaw.

“We feel this 23 are the first to get a crack, we know a strong and very capable Canterbury unit are coming up to play. It’s going to be a test match intensity first up and we have selected the group we think is best positioned for the challenge.

“We will celebrate Ti post-match. She’s an inspiration to our playing group and our community, we love Ti and all she brings to our environment on and off the field. A huge congratulations to her and her family on this milestone.

“A number of our squad going to make their first class debuts as well. They’re all ready for the job. Will be a special moment for all involved as they enter the game on Saturday.”

The Heat face the Canterbury outfit from 12.05pm.

Counties Heat v Canterbury: 1. Ti Tauasosi, 2. Lulu Leuta, 3. Fou Sefo, 4. Paris Mataroa, 5. Rebecca Burch, 6. Leitisia Vehekite, 7. Misaki Suzuki, 8. Harono Te Iringa, 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu, 10. Hazel Tubic, 11. Kataraina Enosa-Taifau, 12. Shoshanah Seumanutafa, 13. Yurina Shinno, 14. Shyanne Thompson, 15. Jaymie Kolose. Reserves: Mafi Pasikala, Leilani Perese, Joanna Fanene-Lolo, 19. Vineta Teutau, 20. Utu Atonio (capt), 21. Esther Amataga, 22. Ffion Penney, 23. Mele Latu’ila.