Niall Williams-Guthrie returns to the nib Blues Women starting lineup this Saturday as they travel down to Levin to take on the Hurricanes Poua in their final Sky Super Rugby Aupiki round-robin match at 2:05pm.

The match shapes up as a final hit out for the nib Blues before they play the Chiefs Manawa in the Aupiki final next weekend, with the hosts to be determined by this final round of competition.

A settled backline takes the field against the Poua with Daynah Nankivell the major change – she gets her first start in the No.13 jersey this weekend.

The forwards also have a familiar look with Japan international Nijiho Nagata getting the starting nod at hooker with Grace Gago to provide impact from the bench.

There’s family ties on the bench for the nib Blues with Renee Woodman-Wickliffe suiting up on the pine with her niece Kerri Johnson.

Blues Scrum Coach and former Samoa International, Census Johnston, said it’s great to have Williams-Guthrie back in the mix. 

“She has a load of experience and energy, she’s been great for us while also learning the 15-a-side game. She’s learnt a lot but she’s also providing the younger players with knowledge and insights from her experience,” said Johnston.

“It puts a lot of confidence into the group to know they’ve beaten the Chiefs Manawa for the first time - we’ve got to put in a good performance against the Poua first and foremost then we’ll look at next week,” he said.

“This week is about making sure that we’re not complacent, we’ve made sure the team have their feet firmly placed on the ground and we’ll hopefully do the job this weekend,” said Johnston. 

nib Blues 

1. Chryss Viliko

2. Nijiho Nagata

3. Aldora Itunu

4. Eloise Blackwell

5. Maama Vaipulu

6. Maiakawanakaulani Roos

7. Niall Williams-Guthrie

8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

9. Melanie Puckett

10. Krysten Cottrell

11. Jaymie Kolose

12. Ruahei Demant

13. Daynah Nankivell

14. Katelyn Vahaakolo

15. Patricia Maliepo

    Reserves:

16. Grace Gago

17. Maddi Robinson

18. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale

19. Charmaine McMenamin

20. Elizabith Moimoi

21. Kahlia Awa

22. Kerri Johnson

23. Renee Woodman-Wickliffe

Players not considered: Angelica Mekemeke Vahai (ankle), Sophie Fisher (neck), Tara-Leigh Turner (knee), Sylvia Brunt (suspension)

nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua

Saturday April 6, kick off 2:05pm

Levin Domain

LIVE on Sky Sport