Poko and Palu to get chance against Auckland in Home Opener

Christchurch’s Charntay Poko and Ona Palu will don a different red and black jersey this weekend, when they feature for Canterbury in Saturday’s first match at home in this year's Bunnings Warehouse Farah Palmer Cup.

After missing out on Canterbury’s round one win in the capital, the experienced pair will add to an otherwise unchanged side to take on Auckland at Rugby Park.  

“It’s great to have the experience of Charntay back in the mix, she has an epic skillset & we are looking forward to her playing with freedom on Saturday.” said Head Coach Blair Baxter.  

Midfielder Poko will play for Canterbury for the first time since 2017, adding to her 33 caps when she starts in the midfield, partnering with Amy Du Plessis in a move that allows Grace Steinmetz, who was impressive playing at centre last week, to utilise her pace on the left wing. Poko returns to the province following a successful stint playing NRLW, featuring for the Warriors and Newcastle Knights, as well as international rugby league for New Zealand. 

Prop Ona Palu will also make her Canterbury debut off the bench, following her move to Christchurch at the start of the year. Palu, who previously played for Hawke’s Bay, also represented Matatū earlier this year in Super Rugby Aupiki, and joins the Canterbury set-up following a successful year for Christchurch, who were crowned Women’s Premier Champions last month.  

 “We are grateful Ona chose to stay and play her rugby here in Canterbury, it provides us with the opportunity to have exceptional impact off the bench with her strong ball carrying and scrummaging.” 

"It was a great start last week in Wellington, we will take the learnings from that the game and look to implement these into Saturday’s game against Auckland. The consistency of squad will allow us to show up and build on the solid foundation laid last week.” Baxter said. 

Rugby Park will play host to this weekend’s fixture, with kick off set for 12:05pm on Saturday the 23rd of July. Entry is $5 for adults and free for children. 

Team to play Auckland: 

1. Philippa Love  

2. Georgia Ponsonby 

3. Amy Rule 

4. Emma Dermody 

5. Chelsea Bremner 

6. Alana Bremner 

7. Lucy Jenkins 

8. Marcelle Parkes 

9. Kendra Cocksedge 

10. Rosie Kelly 

11. Grace Steinmetz 

12. Charntay Poko 

13. Amy Du Plessis 

14. Martha Mataele 

15. Isabella Waterman 

16. Altanta Lolohea 

17. Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox 

18. Ona Palu* 

19. Stacey Niao 

20. Greer Muir 

21. Dianne Hiini 

22. Hannah King 

23. Naia Toaolamai - Holden 

*denotes Canterbury debut