Canterbury will play their first match of the Farah Palmer Cup this weekend, when they host Otago at Linfield Park in Christchurch.

Head Coach Wayne Love has named his team for the season opener, which includes ten players who contested the 2016 semi-final against Auckland.

The starting team also features three Farah Palmer Cup debutants in loose forward Lucy Jenkins (Christchurch), halfback Kate Ebrahim (Lincoln University) and centre Cassie Siataga (Linwood). Nina Poletti (Christchurch) could also feature in her first Farah Palmer Cup match this Sunday, if called upon from the reserves bench. The 21 year-old will provide cover at prop. Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox will captain the side in the front row.

Love said his side was excited to get their season underway: "We have a mixture of youth and experience in our team this year, so there is plenty of enthusiasm in the group about the new season and a real desire to kick off our campaign.

"Last year we were able to put in a solid performance against Otago early in the season so we are looking to start on the right note again this year, but we know they will be tough opponents.

"It's fantastic as a coach to see the anticipation building within the group in the lead up to this first game", Love said. 

The last time the two sides met was in Week 3 of the 2016 season, with Canterbury securing a 24-69 win away from home.

Kick off for this match is scheduled for 12:30pm, Sunday 3 September at Linfield Park in Christchurch.   

Canterbury Women’s team to play Otago:

1.  Jess Hansen

2.  Rebecca Todd

3.  Stephanie Te Ohaere-Fox

4.  Alana Bremner

5.  Chelsea Bremner

6.  Lucy Jenkins*

7.  Sui Pauaraisa

8.  Nicole Purdom

9.  Kate Ebrahim*

10. Charntay Poko 

11.  Becky Davidson

12.  Lucy Anderson

13.  Cassie Siataga*

14.  Sam Curtis

15.  Olivia McGoverne

RESERVES:

16:  Nina Poletti*

17.  Usipua Simaile

18.  Kaylee Tavendale

19.  Charna Thompson

20.  Elizabeth Pera

21.  Corrina Whiley

22.  Taylor Curtis

*denotes new player