nib BLUES SET FOR CRUCIAL CLASH WITH CHIEFS

The nib Blues welcome the return of experienced lock Maama Vaipulu for Friday’s Round 5 clash against Chiefs Manawa at Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei.

Vaipulu returns to the starting XV after missing three weeks through suspension, partnering captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos in the second row as the Blues look to bounce back on the Matariki public holiday.

There are several other changes to the side that faced Hurricanes Poua last weekend.

Danny-Elle Fesolai comes into the starting loose forward trio at openside flanker, while Hollyrae Mete-Renata shifts to second five, with Sylvia Brunt moving to centre.

Mererangi Paul switches to start on the right wing, replacing Katelyn Vahaakolo who will provide impact from the bench.

In the reserves, Harono Te Iringa, Dajian Brown and Danii Mafoe move into the game day 23.

nib Blues Team - Round 5 vs Chiefs Manawa
4.35pm (NZT), Friday 10 July in Whangārei

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Maama Vaipulu
6. Amarante Sititi
7. Danny-Elle Fesolai
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Mererangi Paul
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Dajian Brown, 21. Hazel Tubic, 22. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 23. Danii Mafoe

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