UNBEATEN nib BLUES SHAPE UP FOR CHIEFS MANAWA REMATCH

The nib Blues women have named an exciting team to take on Chiefs Manawa in Round 4 of Super Rugby Aupiki this Saturday at FMG Stadium Waikato.

The team features a few key changes from last week’s win over Matatū in Nelson. Dynamic young loose forward Holly Greenway has been named at number 6 in what will be her first start for the nib Blues. In the backline, Black Ferns star Portia Woodman-Wickliffe shifts to the right wing, donning the number 14 jersey for the first time this season, while Ruahei Demant moves to number 12.

The bench sees one new addition, with promising Manawatū loose forward Taufa Bason set to make her debut in nib Blues colours.

The last time the sides met Woodman-Wickliffe scored a last minute try to seal a come-from-behind victory for the nib Blues.

Head Coach Willie Walker says the team is continuing to build with each game and he expects another tough challenge on Saturday.

“We’ve been working hard to improve week by week, and I’m really pleased with the effort the squad is putting in,” said Walker.

“We know Chiefs Manawa will bring a lot of intensity, and we’re expecting a physical contest. It’s a great opportunity for us to keep growing as a team and put out a strong performance on Saturday.”

nib Blues to play Chiefs Manawa at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday, kick-off 4:35pm:

1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Holly Greenway, 7. Dajian Brown, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Krysten Cottrell, 11. Jaymie Kolose, 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Taufa Bason (debut), 21. Kahlia Awa, 22. Kerri Johnson, 23. Patricia Maliepo

Unavailable due to injury: Elizabith Moimoi (Shoulder), Paris Mataroa (Shoulder), Katelyn Vahaakolo (HIA).