nib BLUES OUT FOR BACK-TO-BACK WINS
The nib Blues play their first home match of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki this weekend as they host Chiefs Manawa at Pakuranga Rugby Football Club’s Bell Park on Saturday at 2:05pm.
Head Coach Willie Walker has once again named a strong side for the fixture despite having to make several changes after last week’s win against Matatū in Round One.
Second-Five Eight, Daynah Nankivell, gets her first start in a nib Blues jersey, returning to the side since playing in the inaugural Women’s Super Rugby game in 2021. She replaces Co-Captain Ruahei Demant who has sustained an injury to her wrist.
Former Black Fern, Renee Woodman-Wickliffe, joins the nib Blues squad as injury cover for Demant bringing her wealth of experience to the team.
“I’m excited to join the nib Blues squad,” said Woodman-Wickliffe.
“It’s obviously unfortunate news for Ruahei and I’m feeling for her, I’ll be here as injury cover for as long as the nib Blues need me this season,” she said.
Meanwhile experienced Loose Forward, Charmaine McMenamin makes her long-awaited return to rugby after she ruptured her ACL in the Auckland Club final in 2023.
nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, said he was pleased to see Nankivell and McMenamin back in nib Blues colours.
“This is a great opportunity for Daynah and I’m sure she’ll relish pulling on the nib Blues jersey once again,” Walker said.
“Obviously losing someone like Ruahei is a bit of a blow but we have full faith in Daynah and we’re excited to see her combination with Krysten come to life,” he said.
“Charmaine adds a massive amount of experience and knowledge to our forward pack, we expect she’ll make a real impact from the bench and is no doubt eager to get back on the park after a decent stint on the sideline,” said Walker.
The nib Blues bench also holds two potential debutants with promising halfback Kahlia Awa and versatile back Kerri Johnson named in the 23 for the weekend.
“Both Kahlia and Kerri joined us this year and have impressed with their work ethic in training. If they get on the park this Saturday I’m sure they’ll be out to push their case for regular inclusion in the team,” said Walker.
The nib Blues take on Chiefs Manawa at Bell Park in Pakuranga at, kick off at 2:05pm.
nib Blues:
Chryss Viliko
Grace Gago
Aldora Itunu
Eloise Blackwell
Maama Vaipulu
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
Niall Williams-Guthrie
Tafito Lafaele
Mel Puckett
Krysten Cottrell (VC)
Jaymie Kolose
Daynah Nankivell
Sylvia Brunt
Katelyn Vahaakolo
Patricia Maliepo
Reserves:
Nijiho Nagata
Cheyenne Tuli-Fale
Sophie Fisher
Charmaine McMenamin
Paris Mataroa
Kahlia Awa*
Kerri Johnson*
Angelica Mekemeke Vahai
*Potential nib Blues debutante
Players not considered: Ruahei Demant, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Tara Turner, Elizabith Moimoi