nib BLUES WANT COMPLETE PERFORMANCE IN CAPITAL
The nib Blues head back on the road this Saturday, travelling to Wellington’s Sky Stadium to face the Hurricanes Poua at 4:35pm.
Despite a couple of defeats to start their campaign, the team remain buoyant and focussed on putting on a strong performance in the Capital.
“Heads are high and morale is high – this is a special group of wāhine who are working hard and constantly improving,” said Head Coach Willie Walker.
“We’ve shown our ability to score points when we lay a solid platform and put multiple phases together - we know we can be dangerous.”
While time as a team has been limited, Walker says all the ingredients are there, it’s just a case of finding a complete recipe for success.
“It’s our starts we need to address, in our first two games we’ve started slow and had to chase the game, if we can rectify that it should set us up for a strong showing against the Poua.”
Meanwhile, nib Blues Captain, Ruahei Demant says the team are starting to gel as Sky Super Rugby Aupiki progresses.
“As a backline we’re building combinations and the more time we spend together - at training and in matches - the better we’re understanding each other and letting instinct take over.”
“It will click, I know it will. We’ve put things together in parts but not for a full 80 minutes just yet but we’re heading down to Wellington with strong belief and desire to put in a performance we can be proud of.”
Saturday’s match is part of a double-billing for rugby fans with the Blues men taking the field at 7:05pm following the Aupiki match-up.
“We’ll be in the stands cheering on Dalton and the boys after our match,” said Demant.
“Fans can settle in for a feast of rugby on Saturday and we’re hoping to make it two from two for the Blues in the Capital.”
nib Blues team v Hurricanes Poua
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
3. Sophie Fisher
4. Maama Vaipulu
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Charmaine McMenamin
7. Tafito Lafaele
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. Letelemalanuola Lavea
19. Eloise Blackwell
20. Shannon Leota
21. Melanie Puckett
22. Krysten Cottrell
23. Tara Turner
Players not considered: Joanna Fanene-lolo
Match Details:
Hurricanes Poua v nib Blues
Saturday, March 11 | 4:35pm
Sky Stadium, Wellington
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