The nib Blues welcome back Co-Captain Ruahei Demant and power-house Number Eight Liana Mikaele-Tu’u to their starting side on Saturday as they prepare to take on Matatū in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki action at Eden Park.

Mikaele-Tu’u has been sidelined for the entire Aupiki campaign with a hamstring complaint, while Demant has returned to play following a wrist injury to be available for the match.

nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, said both players are rearing to go for Saturday.

“Make no mistake, Liana and Ruahei are pumped to be back,” said Walker.

“Liana’s been doing all the right things with her rehab, but she’s a player who simply loves playing. She’s physical, she’s a leader in this group and she’s got international experience – we’re stoked to have her back in the mix,” he said.

“Everyone knows what Ruahei brings to a rugby side. She’s our Co-Captain and a major influence on our backline. I’m looking forward to seeing her back out on Eden Park,” said Walker.

Two potential debuts await off the bench for Maddi Robinson and Dajian Brown, with Walker otherwise naming a familiar looking side for the clash with Matatū.

“Both Maddi and Dajian have been training well and deserve their inclusion in the 23 this weekend. It’s been great to be able to blood some new players this season and build a bit of depth in our squad,” said Walker.

“We finally put things together last weekend and played the kind of rugby we’ve been threatening to play. The challenge for the group this Saturday is to back it up and start stacking performances of note,” said Walker. 

The nib Blues v Matatū at 4:35pm forms the first act in a double-header of live rugby action at Eden Park on Saturday with the Blues Men following the nib Blues Women at 7:05pm.

nib Blues:

1. Chryss Viliko 

2. Grace Gago

3. Aldora Itunu

4. Eloise Blackwell

5. Maama Vaipulu

6. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (cc)

7. Tafito Lafaele

8. Liana Mikaele Tu’u

9. Mel Puckett

10. Krysten Cottrell

11. Jaymie Kolose

12. Ruahei Demant (cc)

13. Sylvia Brunt

14. Katelyn Vahaakolo

15. Patricia Maliepo

    Reserves:

16. Nijiho Nagata

17. Maddi Robinson*

18. Sophie Fisher

19. Dajian Brown *

20. Charmaine McMenamin

21. Kahlia Awa

22. Daynah Nankivell

23. Angelica Mekemeke Vahai

Potential debut denoted by *

Players not considered due to injury: Tara-Leigh Turner (Knee), Niall Williams-Guthrie (Knee) and Paris Mataroa (Ankle).

EDEN PARK DOUBLE HEADER

Saturday 23 March

nib Blues v Matatu kick off 4.35pm

Blues v Crusaders kick off 7.05pm

EDEN PARK, Auckland

Both games LIVE on Sky Sport and Gold Sport & iHeart Radio