nib BLUES AIM TO FINISH AUPIKI ON A HIGH

The nib Blues are targeting third spot in Sky Super Rugby Aupiki when they face Hurricanes Poua at FMG Stadium in Hamilton at 11:35am.

The match forms part of the Aupiki finals weekend with the nib Blues determined to finish the competition on a winning note.

Head Coach, Willie Walker, has shown faith in the team who went close against Matatū last weekend naming an unchanged starting XV to face the Poua.

“We’ve remained fairly consistent with selection throughout this competition,” said Walker.

“I think the tweaks we made in the backline worked well for us last weekend - Krysten showed her class at pivot and Patricia backed up with another strong performance at fullback.”

Walker said the team were disappointed not to be in the grand final but will make the most of the opportunity to run out once more as a Blues team this season.

“Any team wants to be playing for silverware and there were a few disappointed ladies in the sheds after last week. But we’ve put that behind us and want to finish on a high this weekend against the Poua.”

 nib Blues Captain, Ruahei Demant echoed Walker’s comments about a strong finish to the season.

 “We’ve been proud to wear the Blues jersey this season and represent our club in Super Rugby Aupiki,” said Demant.

“We want to finish this competition with a win. A win for our families, friends, fans and for ourselves. It hasn’t quite gone to plan from a results side of things this season but we hope the competition continues to grow along with women’s rugby in this country.”

The nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua kicks off at 11:35am - the first of two Aupiki matches on Saturday with Chiefs Manawa v Matatū following them at 2:05pm.

nib Blues

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
3. Sophie Fisher
4. Eloise Blackwell
5. Maiakawanakaulani Roos
6. Charmaine McMenamin
7. Tafito Lafaele
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
9. Melanie Puckett 
10. Krysten Cottrell
11. Katelynn Vahaakolo
12. Ruahei Demant 
13. Sylvia Brunt 
14. Jaymie Kolose
15. Patricia Maliepo
Reserves:
16. Alakoka Po'oi
17. Toka Natua  
18. Letelemalanuola Lavea
19. Maama Vaipulu
20. Shannon Ikahihifo
21. Ariana Bayler
22. Holly Williams
23. Tara Turner

SKY Super Rugby Finals Weekend

Saturday March 25

nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua | 11:35am

Chiefs Manawa v Matatū | 2:05pm

FMG Stadium, Hamilton

Coverage: SKY SPORT