The Auckland Storm begin their campaign for a 16th National Title at the home of Ponsonby Rugby Club against Counties Manukau on Saturday evening. Thanks to Sky Tower – Lighting up female rugby.

Both teams will be playing for the Te Toki Mareikura Trophy. A piece of silverware that since it’s inception in 2019, has symbolised the growth of both Provincial Unions; Auckland and Counties Manukau and the mana each wāhine team will continue to strive for. A fitting start to what is set to be a groundbreaking year for Women’s rugby in New Zealand.

Head Coach Willie Walker has called on the experience of Eloise Blackwell to lead the team from lock, carrying on her 2021 responsibilities.

Five debutants will line up for the Auckland Storm. Mel Puckett, Katelyn Vaha’akolo, Chaz Tumu-Makara, Sulieti Halafihi and Jade Bowen will get their chance at Western Springs Stadium as Walker continues to bring through new and exciting talent from the Coleman Shield competition.

The experience of Cristo Tofa and Saphire Abraham will set up the Auckland Storm pack along with Marist Rugby Club prop Chryss Viliko.

Black Ferns debutant Tafito Lafaele will join the scrum from openside flanker with Ponsonby Rugby Club loose forwards Shannon Leota and Charmaine McMenamin.

Mel Puckett will make her debut for the Blue and White Hoops at halfback. Auckland Storm veteran and Black Ferns Captain Ruahei Demant will steer the team from first five-eighth, and Patricia Maliepo slots in outside Demant as another exciting option on attack.

Katelyn Vaha’akolo will get her first start for Auckland and will be looking to express her talents on the right wing.

With the limited pre-season build-up to the FPC season, Walker is looking for clarity on the field against their southern neighbours.

“There has been a big focus this week on clear messaging and keeping things simple for these opening games. If we do the basics right, we should set ourselves a good platform for the season ahead”.

Kick-off is at 2.05 pm at Western Springs Stadium with free entry into the ground.

Auckland Storm team v Counties Manukau

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Saphire Abraham
3. Cristo Tofa
4. Eloise Blackwell ©
5. Maama Vaipulu
6. Shannon Leota
7. Tafito Lafaele
8. Charmaine McMenamin
9. Mel Puckett (DEBUT)
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Sam Curtis
12. Patricia Maliepo
13. Daynah Nankivell
14. Katelyn Vaha’akolo (DEBUT)
15. Kiritapu Demant
16. Alakoka Po'oi
17. Cilia Marie Po’e-Tofaeono
18. Sophie Fisher
19. Chaz Tumu-Makara (DEBUT)
20. Sulieti Halafihi (DEBUT)
21. Luisa Togotogorua
22. Abby Lockhart
23. Jade Bowen (DEBUT)