• Storm looking to get their season kick-started in Taupiri
• A victory puts them well and truly in the frame for a semi-final berth
• Kiritapu Demant returns to the Auckland-fold and Joanna Fanene starts at No.8 for injured Captain Charmaine McMenamin

The Storm face a big week in their season come Saturday. Victory against a more than competitive Waikato side puts them back on track for a semi-final berth and sets them up nicely when they take on the Volcanix the week after at Eden Park.

Auckland have looked to put last week’s result behind them swiftly and focus on the task at hand. Increased focus on physicality and accuracy was seen as crucial after lacking in those particular areas against Counties Manukau.

Head Coach JP Fa’amausili was disappointed in the result last weekend, but is well aware of how fine the margins can be at this level.

“We were right in the game at halftime last weekend. We had a couple of opportunities to score early in the second spell, but weren’t accurate enough when it really mattered. You can put the turning of the match down to a couple of key moments.”

Physicality is also a key battle Fa’amausili wants to win on Saturday after falling short against the giant Counties Manukau pack.

“Overall, we lost the physicality battle last weekend, so it’s been a heavy focus for us this week leading into the weekend. Charmaine McMenamin is out with a knee injury and Joanna Fanene gets a chance from the start to make a mark on the game early-on alongside the rest of the pack.”

As mentioned previously, Joanna Fanene comes into the starting line-up at No.8 for the injured Charmaine McMenamin. Aldora Itunu will also make first start of the season and she helps form a formidable front row featuring Fiao’o Fa’amausili and Aleisha Pearl Nelson also. The return of Kiritapu Demant at fullback for the first time in 2018 adds a further element of excitement to the Storm backline.

Storm team to play Waikato:

1. Aldora Itunu (Ponsonby)
2. Fiao’o Fa’amausili (Marist)
3. Aleisha-Pearl Nelson (College Rifles)
4. Eloise Blackwell - Captain (Eden)
5. Charmaine Smith (College Rifles)
6. Alaimoana Fineaso-Levi (Marist)
7. Misaki Suzuki (Marist)
8. Joanna Fanene (Marist)
9. Jennifer Rose-Reu (Marist)
10. Ruahei Demant (College Rifles)
11. Corina Nanai (College Rifles)
12. Mele Hufanga (Marist)
13. Lauren Sa’u (Marist)
14. Hasting Leiataua (Marist)
15. Kiritapu Demant (College Rifles)
16. Jacqui Aiono (Marist)
17. Margaret Vaiouga (Marist)
18. Maiko Fujimoto (Ponsonby)
19. Olalini Tafoulua (Marist)
20. Aeron Warbrooke (Ponsonby)
21. Lose Mafi (Marist)
22. Savah Gautusa (College Rifles)