Matatū vice-Captain Kendra Reynolds will make her Super Rugby Aupiki debut on Tuesday night alongside Bay of Plenty teammate Natalie Delamere.
Kendra Reynolds playing for BOP. Photo: © Copyright Andrew Cornaga 2020 / www.photosport.nz / Photosport Ltd
Captain Alana Bremner will switch to No.8 with Reynolds at openside for the match in Hamilton against the Blues women.
Lucy Jenkins moves to blindside, and Australian international Arabella McKenzie gets the chance to start at first-five.
Black Ferns star and halfback Kendra Cocksedge is still unavailable.
The team is looking to step up it up another notch on the back of Thursday's close battle against Chiefs Manawa.
Head Coach Blair Baxter said they are grateful to have played two games at Super Rugby intensity, and his side are aware the Blues will be no different.
"The Blues have had a difficult start to the competition, we know they are going to come out firing," Baxter said.
"It will be awesome to have Kendra's defensive experience and leadership out there against the Blues, and she's excited to get out on the field and contribute.
"There were some real moments of brilliance for us last week, I couldn't be more proud of the effort and resolve of this team. Hopefully we can reflect that with another proud performance tomorrow night."
Matatū: Renee Holmes, Martha Mataele, Amy du Plessis, Liv McGoverne, Grace Steinmetz, Arabella McKenzie, Di Hiini, Alana Bremner, Kendra Reynolds, Lucy Jenkins, Chelsea Bremner, Michaela Leonard, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love. Reserves: Steph Te Ohaere-Fox, Lucy Anderson, Ashley Palu, Natalie Delamere, Julia Gorinski, Rosie Kelly, Terauoriwa Gapper, Kilisitina Vea, Tayla Simspon, Greer Muir.
