nib BLUES PRIMED FOR AUPIKI FINAL
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki comes to a crescendo this Saturday afternoon at 4:05pm with the nib Blues hosting Chiefs Manawa in the Final at Eden Park in Auckland.
The two top qualifiers have played each other twice in the Aupiki regular season with a win each. Chiefs Manawa claimed a 17-10 victory in Round Two before the nib Blues answered with a 40-26 win in Round Five.
nib Blues Head Coach Willie Walker has a near full squad to choose from for the match and he’s opted to show faith in those who’ve performed throughout the season in this weekend’s selection.
The team is led by Co-Captains Maiakawanakaulani Roos and Ruahei Demant while Aupiki’s top point scorer Krysten Cottrell will again steer the nib Blues around the field from First-Five.
Aupiki equal top try scorer, Katelyn Vahaakolo (6 tries), will be looking to add to her impressive season tally on Saturday, while fellow nib Blues starting Wing, Jaymie Kolose (4 tries), will be looking to make a late charge at the try scoring record.
Former Chiefs Manawa and Black Ferns player Renee Woodman-Wickliffe is set to play her 100th First-Class match if she takes the field on Saturday, if she does, it will mean eight First-Class match centurions will take the field in the match – the most ever seen in New Zealand.
nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, said the team are clear and focussed on Saturday’s final.
“We’re stoked to be in a final but we want to go the whole way,” said Walker.
“This week will be about controlling our emotions, embracing the fact we’re in a final and making sure we put a performance out there we can be proud of.”
“I would encourage Auckland’s rugby public to turn up and support our wāhine on Saturday in what promises to be a hotly contested final. If you’ve never been to a women’s rugby game, now’s your chance to get along and see what it’s all about – I guarantee you’ll enjoy yourself,” he said.
Walker said the team will be leaning on the senior members of their squad this week to help the younger players prepare for the Aupiki showpiece on Saturday afternoon.
“We’ve got a bunch of experienced heads in this squad, many of whom have finals experience. They’ll be having conversations with our younger players this week around what to expect on Saturday and how to deal with the heightened pressure of a final,” said Walker.
nib Blues
Chryss Viliko
Grace Gago
Aldora Itunu
Eloise Blackwell
Maama Vaipulu
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (cc)
Niall Williams-Guthrie
Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
Melanie Puckett
Krysten Cottrell
Jaymie Kolose
Ruahei Demant (cc)
Daynah Nankivell
Katelyn Vahaakolo
Patricia Maliepo
Reserves:
Nijiho Nagata
Maddi Robinson
Cheyenne Tuli-Fale
Charmaine McMenamin
Elizabith Moimoi
Kahlia Awa
Kerri Johnson (Angelica Mekemeke Vahai)
Renee Woodman-Wickliffe
Players not considered: Sophie Fisher (neck), Tara-Leigh Turner (knee), Sylvia Brunt (suspension)
SKY Super Rugby Aupiki FINAL
nib Blues v Chiefs Manawa
Saturday April 13, kick off 4:05pm
Eden Park, Auckland
LIVE on Sky Sport, iHeart Radio & TikTok (skysportnz)