Volcanix team to face Waikato

Bay of Plenty Volcanix player Autumn Stephens. Photo/File

Fresh from her time in Rio with the New Zealand Women's sevens team, Michaela Blyde comes into the Bay of Plenty Volcanix side for their game against Waikato tomorrow in the Farah Palmer Cup.

Nicole Cawthrone will shift to second five eighth and Ryleigh Hayes will move to the bench.

The Volcanix forward pack is largely unchanged, with the exception of Lilly Florence who starts at hooker with Ereti Williams returning to the bench.

Last weekend the Volcanix went down heavily to Auckland and failed to register a point, and have yet to register a win this season.

"We are looking forward to this weekend's match," said head coach Brendon Webby. "We have learnt a lot over the past three weeks against some solid opposition. The girls are continuing to grow in confidence and are improving week in, week out. This weekend will be another tough ask but the girls will rise to the challenge."

Team: 1. Luka Connor, 2. Lilly Florence, 3. Stephani Mitchell, 4. Kaci James (C), 5. Kate Henwood, 6. Christie Yule, 7. Kendra Reynolds, 8. Jessica Foster, 9. Billie Raynes, 10. Lavinia Gould (VC), 11. Sapphire Tapsell, 12. Nicole Cawthorne, 13. Michaela Blyde, 14. Mystery Mclean-Kora, 15. Autumn Stephens, 16. Ereti Williams, 17. Baye Jacob, 18. Jenay Tamati, 19. Jimi-Leigh McLean, 20. Ryleigh Hayes, 21. Parekura Whareaorere, 22. Abbie Johnston.
The game will be played at Fred Jones Park in Hamilton, kicking off at noon.