• The Storm and Manawatu drew in 2017
• Four Black Ferns will make an appearance for Auckland
• The game will be played at Bell Park (K/O 11.30am)

The Storm will open their campaign on Saturday against Manawatu in what could prove to be quite a battle if the corresponding fixture from 2017 is anything to go by.

Last year’s match proved to be the tightest of contests with both sides having to settle for a draw. Auckland will be looking to get their season off on the right foot and not relinquish any ground in the increasingly competitive Farah Palmer Cup that the Storm once held a mortgage on.

The 2017 edition of the competition was claimed by Canterbury, with Counties Manukau the victors a year earlier. The Storm will be going out this year with the aim of being back on top of the pile given the vast experience and talent they are able to call on.

This week, they have four of their Black Ferns in the matchday squad. Charmaine McMenamin, Aleisha Pearl Nelson, Linda Itunu and Ruahei Demant will all don the blue and white hoops this Saturday with McMenamin the only one to start from the opening whistle.

This opens up a raft of opportunities for others to put their hands-up once more after battling through the Game of Three Halves with the Black Ferns and Bay of Plenty Volcanix earlier this month.

Head Coach John (JP) Fa’amausili is looking forward to the opening encounter but concedes there is an element of risk to it.

“Manawatu are a very good side. They proved this last year with the result being a draw. It is somewhat of a risk not bringing all our Black Ferns back, but it is something we’ve prepared for and we want to give the players who performed well in the Game of Three Halves a good opportunity first up.”

Despite it only being the first week, Fa’amausili knows there are expectations on the Storm to succeed, like all Auckland teams.

“The Storm have a proud record in this competition and it’s something we want to continue. This playing group, this management team, all have an opportunity to add to the legacy now. All the planning has been done and it’s now about putting it together on the field.”

Storm team to face Manawatu:

1. Margaret Vaiouga (Marist)
2. Maiko Fujimoto (Ponsonby)
3. Jacqui Aiono (Marist)
4. Olalini Tafoulua (Marist)
5. Alaimoana Fineaso-Levi (Marist)
6. Alakoka Po’oi (College Rifles)
7. Misaki Suzuki (Marist)
8. Charmaine McMenamin – Captain (Ponsonby)
9. Aeron Warbrooke (Ponsonby)
10. Margarette Nena (Eden)
11. Hinemoa Watene (College Rifles)
12. Savah Gautusa (College Rifles)
13. Lauren Sa’u (Marist)
14. Natahlia Moors (Ponsonby)
15. Hasting Leiataua (Marist)
16. Luti Sikoloni (Marist)
17. Aleisha Pearl Nelson (College Rifles)
18. Vainga Moimoi (College Rifles)
19. Linda Itunu (Ponsonby)
20. Jennifer-Rose Reu (Marist)
21. Leilani Fuikefu (Marist)
22. Ruahei Demant (College Rifles)