NIB BLUES LOOK TO BUILD MOMENTUM IN ROUND 2
The nib Blues have named a refreshed side for Saturday’s clash against Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton, highlighted by several milestone moments and a debut.
Glory Aiono will make her Blues debut after being named to start at loosehead prop, while Sylvia Brunt and Katelyn Vahaakolo will both run out in their 20th appearance for the club.
Vahaakolo returns to the Blues line-up following Black Ferns Sevens commitments, joining fellow representative Jaymie Kolose in the starting back three.
The Blues have been forced into several changes from last week’s opening round victory over Hurricanes Poua.
Front-rower Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono and loose forward Amarante Sititi are unavailable after sustaining concussions in Round 1, while lock Maama Vaipulu is serving a suspension.
Captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos continues to lead the side and partners Eloise Blackwell in the second row, while Tafito Lafaele comes into the starting loose forward trio alongside Taufa Bason and Liana Mikaele-Tu’u.
The bench includes a mix of experience and youth, with Grace Gago, Nijiho Nagata, Harono Te Iringa and Danny-Elle Fesolai providing forwards cover, while Ffion Penney, Hazel Tubic and Hollyrae Mete-Renata offer impact in the backs.
The nib Blues travel to Hamilton looking to build momentum with Saturday’s kick-off set for 2.05pm at FMG Stadium Waikato.
nib Blues Team - Round 2 vs Chiefs Manawa
2.05pm (NZT), Saturday 20 June in Hamilton
1. Glory Aiono (debut)
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Eloise Blackwell
6. Tafito Lafaele
7. Taufa Bason
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Sylvia Brunt (20th game)
13. Mererangi Paul
14. Katelyn Vahaakolo (20th game)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Dajian Brown, 20. Danny-Elle Fesolai, 21. Ffion Penney, 22. Hazel Tubic, 23. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
Unavailable for selection: Ella Henderson (concussion), Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono (concussion), Amarante Sititi (concussion), Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (back), Maama Vaipulu (suspension), Chryss Viliko (knee)