A NEW-LOOK line up will take the field for the NSW women’s team, in the final regular competition game in the Super W against the Melbourne Rebels women in Melbourne on Saturday.
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In the forwards, Parramatta loosehead prop Melissa Fatu and Warringah hooker Sarah Laman will form a new front row combination with Evelyn Horomia, who has started in every game this year.
Nat Maclarn will join her Warringah teammate Inge Visser in the second row for the first time while Parramatta’s Pareaka O’Brien and Fi Jones of Sydney University will get their first start in the backrow.
In the backline, Atasi Lafai moves from fullback to left wing to make way for captain Ash Hewson, from Vincentia.
The change means that Shanice Parker will start on the right wing and Cobie-Jane Morgan slots into midfield alongside Crystal Maguire.
NSW women’s coach Rob Baumann said the match was another opportunity for the team to continue the momentum built over the last few weeks.
“The last match against the Brumbies women was tough, they did their homework on us and it wasn’t all smooth sailing for us,” Baumann said.
“We have a job to do in Melbourne and that’s a massive focus and the team we have picked is a reflection of the hard work of players coming off the bench in previous matches.
“They did a great job and their impact has been immense.
“Saturday is a chance for them to do so from the kick-off.”
NSW women's side to face Melbourne Rebels women: 1. Melissa Fatu, 2. Sarah Laman, 3. Evelyn Horomia, 4. Inge Visser (vc), 5. Nat Maclarn, 6. Pareake O’Brien, 7. Fi Jones, 8. Laura Devereux, 9. Iliseva Batibasaga, 10. Chloe Leaupepe, 11. Atasi Lafai, 12. Cobie-Jane Morgan (vc), 13. Crystal Maguire, 14. Shanice Parker, 15. Ash Hewson ©, 16. Tasmin Sheppard, 17. Nancy Vaiaku, 18. Emily Robinson, 19. Ana-Lise Sio, 20. Grace Hamilton, 21. Kennedy Cherrington, 22. Josephine Falesita and 23. Kirrily Laws.
