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nib BLUES NAME SETTLED SIDE FOR POUA

The nib Blues Women return to Bell Park this Saturday afternoon at 2:05pm to take on Hurricanes Poua in Round Three of Sky Super Rugby Aupiki.

 nib Blues Head Coach Willie Walker has named a settled side for this weekend’s match, with the same starting XV to take the field on Saturday.

Lock Rebecca Burch is the only change to the 23, she is poised to make her nib Blues debut from the bench.

Head Coach Willie Walker said he is looking for his side to convert their opportunities this week and believes they aren’t far away from a complete performance.

“We’ve put a real focus on getting our start right,” said Walker.

“We’ve been chasing the game in the second half of our first two matches, so if we can nail the start we feel we’ll put ourselves in the best position to get a result on Saturday,” he said.

The nib Blues lead the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki competition in carries (279) and most metres gained (1310m) - both stats highlighting the team’s potential to dominate.

“Both stats prove we can be effective with ball in hand. For us it’s about decision making; knowing when to pass and knowing when to carry, if we make good decisions in this area we have the flair and game-breakers to put points on the board,” said Walker.

“It’s also a special moment for Rebecca who’s in-line to make her debut off the bench. She’s a great person to have around the environment and she deserves a chance to don the nib Blues colours this weekend,” he said.

The nib Blues take on Hurricanes Poua this Saturday at Bell Park, Pakuranga with kick-off at 2:05pm.

nib Blues:

  1. Chryss Viliko

  2. Grace Gago

  3. Aldora Itunu

  4. Eloise Blackwell

  5. Maama Vaipulu

  6. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)

  7. Niall Williams-Guthrie

  8. Tafito Lafaele

  9. Melanie Puckett

  10. Krysten Cottrell (vc)

  11. Jaymie Kolose

  12. Daynah Nankivell

  13. Sylvia Brunt

  14. Katelyn Vahaakolo

  15. Patricia Maliepo

    Reserves:

  16. Nijiho Nagata

  17. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale

  18. Sophie Fisher

  19. Charmaine McMenamin

  20. Rebecca Burch *

  21. Kahlia Awa

  22. Kerri Johnson

  23. Angelica Mekemeke Vahai

*denotes potential debutante

Players unavailable due to injury: Tara Turner (knee), Liana Mikaele Tu’u (hamstring) & Ruahei Demant (wrist)