UNBEATEN nib BLUES TAKING AUPIKI RUGBY TO NORTHLAND FOR THE FIRST TIME

The nib Blues women are heading to the rugby hotspot of Northland for their top of the table clash against Matatū this Saturday.

The game will be the first ever Aupiki match in Northland, with Northland locals and nib Blues players Tara Turner, Kerri Johnson and Portia Woodman-Wickliffe all excited to impress in front of a home crowd. 

It’ll also be a special game for nib Blues Captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos, who will celebrate her 20th match for the team. Roos is the first nib Blues player to hit 20 games, having not missed a match since the inception of the team.

Head Coach Willie Walker will also bring up his 20 game milestone, becoming the first head coach to achieve the feat in Aupiki. 

The nib Blues team for this weekend features a few key changes from last week’s win over Chiefs Manawa in the Waikato. 

In the forwards Taufa Bason is handed her first start at number 7 after showcasing her ability in a cracking debut off the bench last week.

Local Northlander Kerri Johnson also gets her first start on the left wing. She’s in good company, with her aunt Portia Woodman-Wickliffe to start at number 13, while Katelyn Vahaakolo returns to the right wing.

Dynamic fullback Jaymie Kolose has also earned her first start at number 15, with Braxton Sorensen-McGee to provide firepower off the bench.

A win for the unbeaten nib Blues will see them lock in a home final, as the team looks to defend the Aupiki title it won last year. 

Standing in their way is a fired up Matatū side, whose only loss this season came at the hands of the nib Blues earlier this month.

Head Coach Willie Walker says he’ll be looking for a strong performance from his team come Saturday.

“We’re pleased with the season so far but there are a few critical areas we want to improve on,” said Walker.

“Matatū is a good team, it was a really physical encounter when we played them in Nelson earlier this month and we’re expecting another tough match on Saturday.”

Walker is encouraging the community to come and enjoy a great game of rugby.

“We know that Northlanders love their rugby. The weather’s looking beautiful for Saturday and many of the best rugby players in New Zealand will be in action so we’d love the community to come down and support us.”

Children's tickets are available from $5 each with adults tickets from $15 at blues.flicket.co.nz

nib Blues to play Matatū at Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei on Saturday, kick-off pm 2.05pm:

1. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 2. Grace Gago, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c) (20 games), 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Holly Greenway, 7. Taufa Bason, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Kerri Johnson, 12. Patricia Maliepo, 13. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Jaymie Kolose

Reserves: 16. Atlanta Lolohea, 17. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, 18. Sophie Fisher, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Elizabith Moimoi, 21. Krysten Cottrell, 22. Braxton Sorensen-McGee, 23. Daynah Nankivell

Unavailable due to injury: Sylvia Brunt (Groin), Harono te Iringa (Shoulder), Kahlia Awa (Sick)