The Auckland Storm return from a bye week and straight back into an important clash with second-placed Waikato in the Bunnings Warehouse FPC. Thanks to Sky Tower – Standing tall with women’s sport.

The Storm are now two wins and two losses after an impressive 32-5 win against Manawatu in Round 4.

Auckland Storm Head Coach Willie Walker will lean on his exciting young talent as Auckland’s Black Ferns take up international duties for the Laurie O’Reily Series.

Several players will get chances in new positions across the starting XV. Maama Vaipulu will move to the side of the scrum from her normal lock position and Shannon Leota to number-8 in her 30th cap for the Storm.

Posnonby’s Daynah Nankivell slots into first-five eighth while Katelyn Vaha’akolo takes over the midfield duties with Mele Hufanga.

College Rifles duo Jessica Dermody and Shonte To’a also gain their first starts of the season.

Elizabeth Moimoi and Chaz Tumu-Makara will look to make and impact in the forward pack in the later stages of the game.

Ponsonby’s Moana Cook, Milahn Ieremia and Angelica Mekemeke Vahai are on hand to express their talents in the backline.

The Storm last meet defending champions Waikato in 2020 at Eden Park where Waikato emerged triumphant, 26-17.

Auckland travel to FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday afternoon. Kick off is at 4:35pm.

Auckland Storm team v Waikato

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Alakoka Po’oi
3. Sophie Fisher
4. Eloise Blackwell ©
5. Jessica Dermody
6. Maama Vaipulu
7. Sulieti Halafihi
8. Shannon Leota
9. Mel Puckett
10. Daynah Nankivell
11. Jade Bowen
12. Mele Hufanga
13. Katelyn Vaha’akolo
14. Sam Curtis
15. Shonte To’a

16. Saphire Abraham
17. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale
18. Cristo Tofa
19. Elizabeth Moimoi
20. Chaz Tumu-Makara
21. Moana Cook
22. Milahn Ieremia
23. Angelica Mekemeke Vahai