nib BLUES TEAM NAMING
nib Blues focussed on continual improvement in Aupiki 2025
While the nib Blues women are keenly looking forward to their 2025 Super Rugby Aupiki campaign, they are not getting ahead of themselves for the opener against Hurricanes Poua in Wellington.
Coach Willie Walker said the team is focussed on continual improvement, aimed at playing a fast, aggressive, and skilful quality of rugby and let their game do the talking.
Walker has named a powerful side with 11 current or former Black Ferns and several exciting young players from the New Zealand Under-18 Sevens programme.
“We have a group of highly talented and dedicated players who are forming a strong bond and are focussed on producing high quality rugby,” said Walker.
“We are further ahead than we were at this time last year, which is a result of having a core group returning this year, while we have brought in some new excellent players who have added to our group on and off the field.”
The pack is led by a Black Ferns tight-five of size, power and speed led by captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos with interest in standout hooker Atlanta Lolohea who debuts after moving from Canterbury.
The backrow comprises second year player Elizabeth Moimoi, a first start for Dajian Brown and led by arguably the world’s best No 8 in Liana Mikaele-Tuu.
The halves are made up of New Zealand squad member Kahlia Awa and former Black Fern Krysten Cottrell, while the centres are proven world-class performers in former world player of the year Ruahei Demant and block-busting Sylvia Brunt.
Right wing Katelyn Vahaakolo was a standout for the Blues and the Black Ferns and the fullback, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, makes her debut out of high school and the NZ Under-18 7s programme.
That leaves a debut on the left wing for the remarkable Portia Woodman-Wickliffe after an extraordinary international career in Sevens and 15s.
“Portia is all about contributing – making a difference on and off the field with everything thing she does as a complete professional,” said Walker.
“I am most impressed by the environment and culture within the group who have gelled together so well. We are all excited at the challenges ahead.”
nib Blues to play Hurricanes Poua:
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea (Debut), 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos ©, 5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, 6. Elizabeth Moimoi, 7. Dajian Brown, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tuu; 9. Kahlia Awa, 10. Krysten Cottrell, 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe (Debut), 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee (Debut).
Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu (Debut), 18. Harono Te Iringa (Debut), 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Paris Mataroa, 21. Tara Turner, 22. Keri Johnson, 23. Jaymie Kolose.