Gapper returns from injury to headline strong bench

Terauoriwa Gapper is in line for her first appearance of the Farah Palmer Cup season as she returns from a knee injury suffered during the club season, named on the bench to take on Counties Manukau in Round 4, with the first five set to play her 34th game for Canterbury.

Gapper is joined on the bench by Patricia Hopcroft, who will make her Canterbury debut after previously playing for the Otago Spirit, as well as Kalesi Taga and Amy Milnes who will all be looking to make an impact in their first appearance in red and black this season.  

“Our bench has given us a real point of difference in our first two games and this week will be no different with the new additions and Steph (Te Ohaere-Fox), Atlanta (Lolohea), Emma (Dermody) and Di (Hiini).” said Head Coach Blair Baxter. 

“It’s great to have the experience of Terauoriwa back in the side and it’s an awesome opportunity for Patricia to show us all what she can do on her Canterbury debut.” 

The starting side remains almost unchanged from wins over Wellington and Auckland, calling on all eight of Canterbury’s most recently named Black Ferns, before they break for the O’Reilly Cup Test Series against Australia over rounds 6 and 7.  

“It’s a great reward for our Black Ferns to be selected again and to have the opportunity to represent New Zealand here in Christchurch.” 

Elsewhere, Stacey Niao gets her first start of the season, partnering Chelsea Bremner in the locks, while Karla Wright-Akeli earns her maiden start at full-back as Canterbury strives to continue their perfect record to start the 2022 FPC season. 

Kick off on Saturday is at 11:35am at Navigation Homes Stadium in Pukekohe.