NIB BLUES EDGE MANAWA IN HAMILTON

The nib Blues earned a hard-fought 27-26 victory over Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton on Saturday, overcoming multiple deficits to secure an important away win.

In a fiercely contested encounter, the defending champions showed their resilience, fighting back three times before winger Jaymie Kolose crossed for the decisive try in the 66th minute.

The visitors welcomed the return of Katelyn Vahaakolo, who marked her comeback with a try on the right wing.

Mererangi Paul also got on the scoresheet before leaving the field late in the first half for a head injury assessment.

Chiefs Manawa struck first through prop Lonita Ngalu in the eighth minute, but the Blues responded quickly when Paul crossed to level the scores.

Further tries to Carys Dallinger and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a helped the hosts establish a lead, however the Blues finished the first half strongly.

Tara Turner and Aldora Itunu both crossed before the break to reduce the deficit and build momentum heading into halftime.

The Blues carried that momentum into the second half, taking the lead through Vahaakolo's try shortly after the restart. Manawa answered through hooker Vici-Rose Green from a driving maul, setting up a tense finish.

The decisive moment came when Kolose finished a well-worked attacking movement to put the Blues back in front.

nib Blues 27: (Mererangi Paul, Tara Turner, Aldora Itunu, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose tries; Braxton Sorensen-McGee con)

Chiefs Manawa 26: (Lonita Ngalu, Carys Dallinger, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Vici-Rose Green tries; Dallinger 3 cons)