This Saturday 30 July marks the Bay of Plenty Volcanix's first home game as the Auckland Storm travel down for a battle at Blake Park.  

The Volcanix have started their Farah Palmer Cup campaign with a hiss and a roar, defeating the Manawatu Cyclones 37-26 last weekend to secure a bonus point win in Palmerston North.  

“This weekend is about testing our set piece against an experienced pack and playing our style and our brand at home,” says Assistant Coach Crystal Kaua.  

The Storm have started their season with a win and a loss, defeating Counties Manukau 39-20 in round one before losing narrowly to Canterbury 27-33.  

After the COVID19 Auckland lockdowns of 2021 forced them to withdraw from the competition, the Storm will be happy to be back playing FPC rugby again.  

There is just one change to the Volcanix starting 15 that played Manawatu. Azalleyah Maaka moves into centre while Renee Wickliffe goes to fullback for the injured Kalyn Takitimu-Cook.  

"This week was about our connection as a squad, clarity and tidying up our systems. Aza is exciting. It’s great to have her back in the team. Looking forward to seeing her get stuck into her mahi,” says Head Coach Brent Kaua.  

"We’re all looking forward to our first home game of the season. You can’t beat a home crowd getting behind you. 

“We’re excited for the team. We’ve got a mixture of youth and experience. We have a young backline and we want them to go out there and express themselves.” 

The match kicks off at 2.05 pm on Blake Park field 1 and is free entry to the public. The game will be broadcast LIVE on Sky Sport 3.  

Get down to the Mount and come support our wahine in action for another great weekend of rugby!! 

Volcanix Round 3 team vs Auckland Storm
1. Shaye Adams   
2. Luka Connor (C) 
3. Santo Taumata  
4. Kelsie Wills (VC) 
5. Tynealle Fitzgerald  
6. Les Elder  
7. Kendra Reynolds  
8. Pia Tapsell 
9. Payton Takimoana  
10. Kiki Tahere  
11. Olive Watherston 
12. Kiri Ngawati  
13. Azalleyah Maaka 
14. Liv Richardson  
15. Renee Wickliffe  

16. Natalie Delamere  
17. Kate Henwood  
18. Animei Skudder  
19. Jessie Wharekura  
20. JayJay Taylor   
21. Emma Flynn   
22. Kataraina Stainton  
23. Grace Parata-Stewart 

Unavailable Due to Sickness or Injury 
Te Urupoumanu McGarvey  
Tayla Manu Pym 
Ruby Tawa  
Sheniqua Taula  
Myracle Monga  
Kalyn Takitimu-Cook  
Sapphire Williams 

Article added: Friday 29 July 2022