CHRYSS VILIKO RETURNS FOR POUA CLASH

Prop Chryss Viliko will make her long-awaited return this weekend after being named to start against Hurricanes Poua in Upper Hutt on Saturday.

The Black Ferns front-rower has completed her rehabilitation from off-season knee surgery and is set to play her first match of the 2026 campaign, providing a boost to the Blues pack.

Viliko is the only change to the side that was narrowly defeated by Matatū last week.

The nib Blues last played Hurricanes Poua in Round 1 where they ran in six tries to come away with an emphatic 42-7 win.

Saturday’s rematch against the Poua kicks off from Maidstone Park at 2:35pm.

nib Blues Team - Round 4 vs Hurricanes Poua
2.35pm (NZT), Saturday 4 July in Upper Hutt

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Eloise Blackwell
6. Amarante Sititi
7. Taufa Bason
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Sylvia Brunt
13. Mererangi Paul
14. Katelyn Vahaakolo
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono, 19. Tafito Lafaele, 20. Danny-Elle Fesolai, 21. Ffion Penney, 22. Hazel Tubic, 23. Hollyrae Mete-Renata

Unavailable for selection: Ella Henderson (concussion), Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (back), Maama Vaipulu (suspension)