nib BLUES EYE CHIEFS MANAWA IN HAMILTON
A chance to lock in a Sky Super Rugby Aupiki final berth beckons for the nib Blues Women this weekend as they take on Chiefs Manawa at 2:05pm on Saturday at FMG Stadium in Hamilton.
The nib Blues need one more competition point from their remaining two fixtures to guarantee an Aupiki final spot with the team currently on 14 points and second spot on the ladder, behind this weekend’s opponents, Chiefs Manawa.
nib Blues Head Coach Willie Walker has named a familiar looking side for this Saturday’s match in Hamilton, handing Halfback Kahlia Awa her first start in an nib Blues jersey.
“Both Kahlia and Mel have been working well as a halfback pairing this season, it’s definitely a role where you work closely with each other and it’s pleasing to be able to give Kahlia her first start this weekend,” said Walker.
Experienced Wing Renee Woodman-Wickliffe also comes onto the bench for a potential debut in Hamilton, if she takes the field it will be against her former Chiefs Manawa side.
“Renee’s been great to have around as injury cover, she’s an experienced head and knows the game inside out. I’m sure if she gets a chance to line up against her former team mates, she won’t be taking a backward step,” said Walker.
“This is an important game for us on Saturday. Of course locking away a final spot would be great, but I also want to see us making progress with our game and improving week on week. We’re looking forward to getting down to Hamilton and putting on a show,” he said.
nib Blues Women
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Eloise Blackwell
5.Maama Vaipulu
6. Charmaine McMenamin
7. Maia Roos
8. Liana Mikaele Tu’u
9. Kahlia Awa
10. Krysten Cottrell
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Ruahei Demant
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Katelyn Vahaakolo
15. Patricia Maliepo
Reserves:
16. Nijiho Nagata
17. Maddi Robinson
18. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale
19. Elizabith MoiMoi
20. Dajian Brown
21. Mel Puckett
22. Daynah Nankivell
23. Renee Woodman-Wickliffe*
*potential nib Blues debut
Unavailable due to injury: Tara-Leigh Turner, Niall Williams-Guthrie, Sophie Fisher, Tafito Lafaele, Angelica Mekemeke Vahai