nib BLUES HUNTING HOME FINAL
A home final is on the line as the nib Blues women prepare to take on the Hurricanes Poua this weekend in their last regular-season clash.
The nib Blues have already secured their spot for next weekend’s Aupiki final and will be hunting a win over the Poua on Saturday, to guarantee them the hosting rights for the game.
The match forms part of a double-header at Eden Park, with the nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua kicking off at 4.35pm, before the men take on the Hurricanes at 7.05pm.
The nib Blues have named an exciting team for the clash and will be looking to put on an improved performance following their defeat to Matatū last week.
In the forwards prop Chryss Viliko and loose forward Elizabith MoiMoi return to the starting lineup, adding their experience to the pack.
In the backs Kahlia Awa starts at halfback, while Jaymie Kolosie moves to wing and Braxton Sorensen-McGee returns to start at fullback.
It will be a special match for lock Eloise Blackwell who has been named on the bench and will bring up her 20th game milestone. Blackwell was the first captain of the nib Blues team from the inaugural game in 2021.
She’s joined on the bench by versatile wing and midfield back 18 year old Danii Mafoe, who is set to make her debut.
Coach Willie Walker says the team was disappointed with elements of last weekend’s game and will be looking to make amends on Saturday.
“We made it hard for ourselves last weekend and there’s a lot of areas we’ll be looking to improve on come Saturday,” said Walker.
“The Poua have nothing to lose so we know they’ll be fired up and looking to tip us over. This is an important match for us and we’re ready to show what we’re capable of."
nib Blues to play Hurricanes Poua at Eden Park on Saturday, kick-off 4:35pm
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos ©, 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Elizabith MoiMoi, 7. Taufa Bason, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tuu, 9. Kahlia Awa, 10. Krysten Cottrell, 11. Jaymie Kolose, 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell (20 games), 20. Holly Greenway, 21. Patricia Maliepo, 22. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 23. Danii Mafoe
Unavailable due to injury: Sophie Fisher (hamstring) Unavailable due to bereavement leave: Tara Turner
Buy tickets at blues.flicket.co.nz