nib BLUES READY FOR SOUTHERN SHOWDOWN
The nib Blues women's side are gearing up for an exciting start to the SKY Super Rugby Aupiki season as they prepare to take on Matatū at Forsyth Barr Stadium in Dunedin on Saturday at 4:45pm.
After a disrupted season last year, the team are eagerly anticipating a chance to showcase the Aupiki-style of rugby to fans across the country.
Before talking rugby, nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, wanted to acknowledge team member Krysten Cottrell, a Hawkes Bay native, who was caught up in the recent destructive weather brought by Cyclone Gabrielle.
“Krysten’s part of our whānau and it was unfortunate she was unable to give herself an opportunity for selection last week due to the circumstances. She’s a real asset to our environment and integral to making sure our new players are ready to go.
“It gives you a sense of perspective when things like this happen and our thoughts are with all those affected by the recent cyclone,” said Walker.
The nib Blues side features 11 potential debutants, an inflated number due to the competition’s infancy, but a fact not lost on Walker.
"It's always exciting to have new players joining the team, they’ve all fit in really well in the limited time we’ve had together and we're looking forward to seeing what they can bring on game day," he said.
"We've had a great pre-season and the team have been working incredibly hard to get ready for Round One. We know Matatū will be a tough opponent, especially down south, but we’ve got the skills and talent to put on a show under the roof and get our season off to a strong start.”
nib Blues Captain, Ruahei Demant, is equally ready to get into a competitive game of rugby following her well-documented success with the Black Ferns at last year’s Rugby World Cup.
“I also wanted to acknowledge Krysten, she’s a strong wāhine and I know the team have a strong desire to put on a performance she will be proud of,” said Demant.
"I can't wait to get back playing and run out with my sister, Kiritapu, in the Blues jersey. We've been working hard together as a team, and I'm confident we'll be ready to roll come Saturday.”
Demant also noted the team had learnt from their pre-season matches against Chiefs Manawa and Waratahs Women last week.
"We took a lot away from those games, and we're ready to apply what we've talked about in our match against Matatū."
Demant expressed her pride in being a nib Blues player and being part of the double-header alongside the Blues men's side playing after them.
"It's a privilege to represent the Blues club, an honour to be representing our region and a great opportunity to play a double-header in what is an exciting time for women’s rugby,” she said.
nib Blues team v Matatū
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago *
3. Esther Faiaoga-Tilo *
4. Eloise Blackwell
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Charmaine McMenamin
7. Tafito Lafaele
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
9. Ariana Bayler *
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Katelynn Vahaakolo *
12. Hayley Hutana
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Jaymie Kolose *
15. Kiritapu Demant *
Reserves
16. Alakoka Po'oi *
17. Toka Natua *
18. Sophie Fisher *
19. Maama Vaipulu *
20. Shannon Leota
21. Melanie Puckett
22. Patricia Maliepo
23. Tara Turner *
*debut
Players not considered:
Joanna Fanene-lolo