Volcanix to open Tauranga Domain double-header

Happy Volcanix team members following their win over Auckland Storm in July. Photo: Susie Martin.

The Volcanix are set and ready to go this weekend for their first of two Tauranga Domain double-headers as the Counties Manukau Heat come to town for a Round 5 Farah Palmer Cup match-up.

"Everyone has trained well this week," says head coach Brent Kaua.

"We've worked on the areas we needed to work on, and they're excited to get into their mahi. What's even better is that they get to play in front of friends and whānau."

The Volcanix narrowly lost last week's matchup vs defending champions Waikato. Despite the defeat, they took away key learnings.

"We played well for periods of the match, especially in the first 25 minutes. Our set piece was good. We just need to be more clinical with the ball in hand and maintain our tempo," says Kaua.

Assistant Coach Crystal Kaua adds, "we were penalised 21 times against Waikato. Our discipline is a non-negotiable this weekend.”

"We're at our best when our set piece is dominant, we are decisive and playing what's in front, and our defence is aggressive and moving forward.”

"Each week our team is growing, and we are excited at the thought of them putting it all together."

There are multiple changes to the side that will face Counties this weekend, including a variety of players starting in different positions. Four new players enter the starting lineup, including Te Urupounamu McGarvey, Tynealle Fitzgerald, Miracle Monga and Payton Takimoana.

Captain Luka Connor is on restricted minutes leading into the Black Ferns Laurie O'reilly Cup, so she willll be making an impact off the bench.

The Heat are one in four this season and will need a win if they want to keep their season alive. The Volcanix, meanwhile, are two from three and currently sitting 4th in the overall standings.

The Double Header action kicks off Sunday, August 14, with gates opening at 11am at the Tauranga Domain with the Volcanix kicking off at 11.35am and will be broadcast live on Sky Sport 1.

Volcanix Round 5 team vs Counties Manukau Heat 1. Te Urupounamu McGarvey 2. Natalie Delamere 3. Santo Taumata 4. Kelsie Wills (VC) 5. Tynealle Fitzgerald 6. Les Elder 7. Kendra Reynolds 8. Pia Tapsell 9. Sheniqua Taula 10. Kalyn Takitimu-Cook 11. Olivia Richardson 12. Miracle Monga 13. Renee Wickliffe 14. Grace Parata-Stewart 15. Payton Takimoana

16. Luka Connor (C) 17. Kate Henwood 18. Animei Skudder 19. Jessie Wharekura 20. JayJay Taylor 21. Emma Flynn 22. Kiki Tahere 23. Sapphire Williams

Not available due to injury: Olive Watherston Kiri Ngawati Azalleyah Maaka Tayla Manu-Pym

Match details Bay of Plenty Double Header Sunday, August 14, Tauranga Domain, Tauranga Gates Open at 11am Volcanix v Counties Manukau, 11.35am Steamers vs Taranaki, 2.05pm Games Live on Sky Sport 1

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1 comment

blocked again

Posted on 13-08-2022 18:22 | By dumbkof2

cameron rd and others closed again creating unnecessary hold ups to traffic. as well as no parking or shelter. these games should be at baypark


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