Farah Palmer Cup Semi-Finals

Semi-finals farah palmer cup SATURDAY, 21ST OCTOBER, FORSYTH BARR STADIUM

OTAGO SPIRIT NORTH HARBOUR HIBISCUS

Forsyth Barr Stadium Kickoff: 12:00pm Referee: Lauren Jenner AR’s: Tumua Ioane & Fraser Hannon The equation is simple this week for both teams, win and you’ll head to Bay of Plenty next week for the final, lose and it’s season 2017 over with! Otago Spirit earned themselves a home semi-final when they defeated North Harbour last week. The Spirit were in sublime form, playing with great pace and width, which paved the way for an impressive 34-15 victory. Coaches Jury and Kearney will take confidence from last weekend’s victory, but will be well aware that their troops will need to earn the right, as they prepare for a Harbour side looking for redemption. Players to watch: Kate Smith led the way at set piece time last week, securing 7 lineouts, including 3 off North Harbour’s throw. Whilst openside Georgia Mason has been in phenomenal form this season, she averages 6 turnovers per game along with 14 tackles, expect another big game from her. Midfielder Soraya Umaga-Jensen earns her second straight start after an impressive display last week. Umaga-Jensen a renowned attacker has the ability to break the line and also brings a great offloading game. Two schoolgirls earn the right to start, with Isla Pringle in the front row, whilst the elusive Cheyenne Cunningham takes her spot on the left wing. North Harbour Hibiscus: Despite the disappointing loss last week, expect the Hibiscus to come down to Dunedin in a confident frame of mind, fully focused on making it through to the FPC Championship Final. Blindside flanker Maryke Penman returns after having last week off, she will bring physicality to the Hibiscus forward pack and will play a crucial role in getting Harbour on the front foot. In the backs, halfback Cesca Luafalealo and fullback Briar McNamara possess dangerous running games, watch for them to have a crack when the timing is right!

Be sure to get along to the stadium, 12.00pm kick off, for what is guaranteed to be a cracker of a semi-final. Show your support for our Spirit and cheer them into the final!

12:00pm, Forsyth Barr Stadium, Saturday 21st October Referee: Lauren Jenner AR’s: T. Ioane & F. Hannon Eilis Doyle Morgan Walker Cristo Tofa Billy-Jo Jones

Tegan Hollows Annemieke van Vliet Amy Robertshaw Cheyenne Wikaira Isla Pringle Michela Day Olivia Ward-Duin Rachel Dunn

Kate Smith Jess Kendall Sophie Fisher Kelvery Longopoa Julia Gorinski Leyhanna van Vugt Pia Tapsell Alexa Fraser

Morgan Henderson Catarina Antunes Maryke Penman Tuiala To’o Georgia Mason Kilistina Moata’ane Kate Williams Louise Halaleva Angie Sisifa © Jemma Palmer (cc) Zoe Whatarau Cesca Luafalealo (cc) COACHING STAFF COACHING STAFF Liv Waldron Claudia McMeekin Head Coach: Head Coach: Cheyenne Cunningham Justine Vizirgianakis Kane Jury Bill Wigglesworth Soraya Umaga-Jensen Laishon Jones Ass Coach: Assistant Coaches: Greer Muir Warren Kearney Emma Iversen Jared Letham Nicole Kennedy Head Coach: Caitlyn Cox Manager: Sheree Hume Briar McNamara Manager: Jess Tuhega Bruce Mitchinson Cathy Charles

the otago rugby football union ' wishes to acknowledge the following partners:

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