SunLive - Something precious for the Chiefs rugby tonight - The ...

There's nothing better than two games of Chiefs footy back to back, say the Chiefs Rugby Club, which has a festival of rugby on tonight, featuring an epic half-time drone show thanks to the Hobbiton Movie Set.

Gates open at FMG Stadium Waikato from 4pm, with the Chiefs Manawa playing Matatū, followed by the Gallagher Chiefs playing Fijian Drua.

People are encouraged to dress up for the night, with pop-up performances, food trucks, prizes and giveaways happening.

The Chiefs Manawa team is maintaining continuity heading into round three of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki against Matatū on Saturday afternoon.

A largely unchanged side is named with minimal rotation occurring through the starting 15.

Waikato’s Kiriana Nolan will be the only new addition as she looks to make her debut off the bench.

Chyna Hohepa moves into No.8, last weekend’s debutant Reese Anderson earns a starting spot on the wing and Azalleyah Maaka steps into the midfield.

At halfback, Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu starts with Ariana Bayler to provide impact. 

“It's always a tough game against Matatū. Our focus this week is on ourselves, looking inward, and doing everything we can to be a better team," says Chiefs Manawa head coach Crystal Kaua.

“We have a lot of depth within our squad and you will see that in the changes each week, they are challenging each other and Thursdays on the field is a battle. We have another debutant this week in Kiri Nolan, a fearless young player with a big future. We are excited for her.” 

The match will kick off at 4.35pm, today, Saturday, March 16, at FMG Stadium Waikato, followed by the Gallagher Chiefs against the Fijian Drua at 7.30pm in an exciting Chiefs Festival of Rugby. 

Chiefs Manawa team to face Matatū: 1. Kate Henwood 2. Luka Connor 3. Tanya Kalounivale 4. Charmaine Smith 5. Chelsea Bremner 6. Victoria Edmonds 7. Kennedy Simon 8. Chyna Hohepa 9. Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu 10. Chelsea Semple 11. Reese Anderson 12. Grace Steinmetz 13. Azalleyah Maaka 14. Ruby Tui 15. Renee Holmes

Reserves 16.  Vici-Rose Green 17.  Krystal Murray 18.  Bitila Tawake 19.  Grace Kukutai 20.  Mia Anderson 21.  Ariana Bayler 22.  Kiriana Nolan* 23.  Mererangi Paul  

*potential debut