HOME AND HUNGRY – nib BLUES SET TO HOST CHIEFS MANAWA
A local derby awaits the nib Blues women this weekend as they prepare to take on Chiefs Manawa on Saturday, March 4 at 2:05pm at North Harbour Stadium in the second round of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.
The nib Blues will be looking to build on a spirited performance against Matatū where they ran in three second half tries before coming up just short in the season opener.
nib Blues Head Coach, Willie Walker, said he was impressed with the fight his team showed in Dunedin.
“We’ve talked as a group about our slow start and will looking to rectify that this weekend,” said Walker.
“There were some really encouraging signs from game one and I think we showed what we’re capable of with ball in hand. It’s just about making a few small adjustments to be at our best against the defending champions this weekend.”
Walker has made a couple tweaks to the side for this weekend’s clash with Maama Vaipulu and Shannon Leota earning starts in the pack, while Patricia Maliepo starts in the midfield in an otherwise unchanged backline.
“We've got a strong, hungry squad and competition for places in the 23 is fierce, but importantly the whole team understand the importance of making sure those who are taking the field are well-prepared for this weekend's match,” said Walker.
Meanwhile nib Blues Captain, Ruahei Demant, is under no illusions as to the challenge facing her side at North Harbour Stadium.
“Chiefs Manawa are defending champions for a reason, we know we’ll need to be at our best if we’re to topple them,” said Demant.
“The group are upbeat and keen to put on a show for our fans at home. No doubt the sun will be shining on Saturday and an afternoon kick-off means we can play an open, running brand of rugby – we can’t wait!”
nib Blues team v Chiefs Manawa
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
3. Esther Faiaoga-Tilo
4. Maama Vaipulu
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Charmaine McMenamin
7. Shannon Leota
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Katelynn Vahaakolo
12. Patricia Maliepo
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Jaymie Kolose
15. Kiritapu Demant
Reserves:
16. Alakoka Po'oi
17. Toka Natua
18. Sophie Fisher
19. Eloise Blackwell
20. Tafito Lafaele
21. Melanie Puckett
22. Krysten Cottrell
23. Tara Turner
Players not considered: Joanna Fanene-lolo
Match Details:
nib Blues v Chiefs Manawa
Saturday, March 4 2:05pm
North Harbour Stadium, Auckland
Coverage: SKY SPORT
Blues memberships and ticket information for both nib Blues women’s and Blues men’s fixtures can be found online at www.blues.flicket.co.nz