nib BLUES v CHIEFS MANAWA

Exciting nib Blues women take on Aupiki finalists at Eden Park

The nib Blues women produced an outstanding first-up effort in the 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki competition, with most of the starting line-up earning another opportunity in their first home game of the season.

The forwards are unchanged, as are many of the backs, as they host the Chiefs Manawa in the double-header with the Blues men at Eden Park on Friday, with a 5:05pm kick-off.

Coach Willie Walker was pleased with the opening round performance against the Hurricanes Poua, although he’s looking for further improvement as they take on Chiefs Manawa in a rematch of last year’s final.

There was excitement in the debut of Sevens superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, who moves into the midfield this weekend, with block-busting Black Fern Sylvia Brunt to come off the bench.

That allows outstanding winger, Jaymie Kolose to start on the left wing, to build on her excellent two seasons where she has amassed nine tries and earned an invitation to the Black Fern Sevens training programme.

“We are blessed with considerable depth in the backs. Jaymie was one of the standouts last season and she is keen to continue her development to press for higher honours.”

The pack is again led by Black Fern Maiakawanakaulani Roos who was in impressive form against the Hurricanes, as was outstanding No 8 in Liana Mikaele-Tuu.

“It was good to get a game under our belts and now we can work hard to develop our game across the board,” said Walker.

“We know that Chiefs Manawa will provide a significant challenge so we need to be better, and of course we are targeting continual improvement every week of this competition.”

nib Blues women to play Chiefs Manawa at Eden Park on Friday, kick-off 5:05pm:

1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos ©, 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Elizabith Moimoi, 7. Dajian Brown, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u; 9. Tara Turner, 10. Krysten Cottrell, 11. Jaymie Kolose, 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee.

Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Paris Mataroa, 21. Kahlia Awa, 22. Sylvia Brunt, 23. Kerri Johnson.

Not considered due to injury: Patricia Maliepo (hand)

Click here for tickets.