Firebirds and Blaze Unchanged for Dunedin Clash

Both teams will be taking unchanged squads south to Dunedin today as the Firebirds and Blaze get set for their Round 5 matchup tomorrow.

The Blaze, who have recently signed Australian Maitlan Brown, will be without their new import for the trip south, before Brown is expected to make her debut in Wellington on January 20th.

After a loss to Otago last time out, the Blaze will be looking to bounce back against their southern rivals this weekend and put themselves in a strong position to take first place.

Leigh Kasperek remains unavailable due to a finger injury, and Georgia Plimmer’s stress fracture rehab is ongoing.

An unchanged Firebirds side take a side featuring four BLACKCAPS-contracted players down to Dunedin, looking to build some positive momentum as they head into a densely-scheduled second half of the season.

Fans should note an earlier start time tomorrow, with the Blaze game starting at 10:40m, and the Firebirds following at 2:25pm.

Watch our Super Smash Round 5 doubleheader and free on TVNZ Duke or online at TVNZ+ from 10:40am tomorrow, January 18th 2025.

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The Wellington Firebirds and Blaze for Round 5 of the Super Smash are:

Wellington Blaze

Melie Kerr (c)

Nicole Baird

Rachel Bryant*

Rebecca Burns

Natasha Codyre

Sophie Devine

Xara Jetly

Caitlin King

Jess Kerr

Sam MacKinder

Jess McFadyen

Gemma Sims

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Wellington Firebirds

Nick Kelly (c)

Muhammad Abbas

Tom Blundell

Michael Bracewell

James Hartshorn

Troy Johnson

Ben Sears

Michael Snedden

Tim Robinson

Jesse Tashkoff

Logan van Beek

Peter Younghusband

*denotes possible Wellington T20 debut

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