NIB BLUES EYE WOMEN’S SUPER RUGBY CHAMPIONS FINAL

After completing a Super Rugby Aupiki three-peat last weekend, the nib Blues head across the Tasman to go up against NSW Waratahs in the Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final in Sydney on Saturday.

The Blues have made several changes, with injuries forcing a reshuffle for the match-up which sees New Zealand’s Aupiki champions take on the winners of Australia’s Super Rugby W competition.

Grace Gago moves into the starting side at hooker, while Eloise Blackwell returns to the run-on XV at lock alongside captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos.

Taufa Bason has been named to start at openside flanker while Hazel Tubic comes in at first five-eighth.

Out wide, young talent Sariyah Paitai gets an opportunity on the right wing opposite Katelyn Vahaakolo.

The bench features a potential debut for Zara Feaunati, while Ruahei Demant and Mererangi Paul will provide impact among the reserves.

The nib Blues will be without Jaymie Kolose, Atlanta Lolohea, Maama Vaipulu, Dajian Brown, Ella Henderson and Cheyenne Tuli-Fale due to injury.

nib Blues Team - Aupiki Final vs Matatū
7.30pm (NZT), Saturday 30 July in Sydney

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
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. Hazel Tubic
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Sariyah Paitai
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves: 16. Danny-Elle Fesolai, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Zara Feaunati (potential debut), 20. Tafito Lafaele, 21. Ffion Penney, 22. Ruahei Demant, 23. Mererangi Paul

Unavailable for selection: Dajian Brown (back), Ella Henderson (concussion), Jaymie Kolose (ankle), Atlanta Lolohea (concussion), Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (back), Maama Vaipulu (knee)