NIB BLUES DOMINATE POUA IN SEASON OPENER

The nib Blues opened their 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season in style with a commanding 42-7 win over Hurricanes Poua at Eden Park on Saturday afternoon.

The Blues were too good for their Wellington visitors in the contest, with several players making a mark.

Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Mererangi Paul, Sylvia Brunt, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Tafito Lafaele and Atlanta Lolohea were among the try scorers.

The Hurricanes started well with some promising attacking spells, and crossed through Taylor in the 17th minute to cut the Blues’ lead to 14-7 at that point.

The defending champions however, impressed for the remainder of the game not allowing the Poua to cross their line again.

Lock Maama Vaipulu was sent off in the 38th minute after striking Poua lock Sam Taylor. Initially a yellow card, it was upgraded to a red.

The Blues then saw loosehead prop Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono taken from the field on a medicab after being knocked out by a head clash with teammate Amarante Sititi as they went to make a tackle.

It was an extra special match for Liana Mikaele-Tu’u and Grace Gago who both played in their 20th match.

The game saw seven debutantes in action for the Blues, with Amarante Sititi, Sariyah Paitai, Hollyrae Mete-Renata, Mererangi Paul, Danny-Elle Fesolai, Ffion Penney and Hazel Tubic running out for their first time in blue.

Blues Women 42: (Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Mererangi Paul, Sylvia Brunt, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Tafito Lafaele, Atlanta Lolohea tries; Sorensen-McGee 6 cons)
Hurricanes Poua 7: (Sam Taylor try; Renee Holmes con)