Mouthwatering FPC clash awaits in Club Day Double Header
The two remaining undefeated sides in the Premiership of the Farah Palmer Cup go head-to-head this weekend, as Canterbury welcome Waikato to Ōtautahi on Saturday.
As the opening game of this weekend’s Miles Toyota Club Day, the JJ Stewart Trophy clash against Waikato presents the chance for Blair Baxter’s side to gain the ascendancy against a formidable opponent.
Meeting in the last two FPC finals, the two sides share one title apiece, with Waikato the most recent victors in 2021.
“It’s fair to say we have a bit of recent history with Waikato,” said Baxter, “they are a quality opponent and we can’t wait to test ourselves against them again on Saturday.”
As the last game before the beginning of the Laurie O’Reilly test series, also here next week in Ōtautahi, Baxter has again called upon the region’s international talent, while also providing a chance to a number of other players to get vital experience ahead of the coming weeks.
One such pick is prop Ona Palu, who gets her first opportunity in the starting tighthead jersey alongside Black Ferns Pip Love and Georgia Ponsonby.
“Ona has put in a lot of hard work at training and fully deserves this opportunity to start her first game for Canterbury,” said Baxter.
Outside of Palu, the forward pack remains unchanged, with the successful return from injury for Terauoriwa Gapper seeing her step into start at first-five-eight, with the impressive Rosie Kelly retained in the line-up at fullback, showing her versatility across the backline.
"Having Terauoriwa back in the starting lineup is a real asset for our side and to have the ability to include both her and Rosie is a treat for any coach.”
On the bench, Canterbury will have the ability to call on strong front row replacements in Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Lucy Anderson and Amy Rule. Stacey Niao and Kalesi Taga round out the forward reserves, while Isabella Waterman returns from injury alongside Di Hiini and Patricia Hopcroft.
Both Niao and Marcelle Parkes will play their 12th game for Canterbury, earning their cap.
Kick off is at 4:35pm at Orangetheory Stadium, with tickets available here.
