Blues Women ready for trans-Tasman final
- Dave Worsley
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Fresh from winning back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles, the Blues Women have named their team to contest Thursday night’s Super Rugby Women’s Champions Final.
The Blues will face off against NSW Waratahs, winners of the Australian competition, to decide an overall title winner at North Harbour Stadium..
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Head coach Willie Walker has named one change to the forward line from the Aupiki championship win over Matatū, while Ruahei Demant moves in to first five and Sylvia Brunt gets the start at second five.
The Waratahs won the Australian Super Rugby Women’s final 43-21 over the Reds, and will be a fierce challenge on Thursday night.
“Winning the Aupiki title on Saturday was really special for us. It was a well-earned reward for the hard work everyone has put in this season, said Walker.
“Matatū gave us a really tough match which was great preparation for Thursday night against the Waratahs. They are a high quality side and it’s going to be a fantastic challenge.
“We’re looking forward to the next few days of preparation and hope our fans come out in full voice at North Harbour Stadium to give us one final lift, as they have done all season.”
Chryss Viliko, Maama Vaipulu and Jaymie Kolose who are all reaching their 20th game milestone while Elizabith MoiMoi comes in at No. 8 for Liana Mikaele-Tu’u who has been ruled out with a foot injury.
Eloise Blackwell is subject to judicial proceedings due to a red card in the Super Rugby Aupiki Grand Final and unavailable for selection.
Blues team for Super Women’s Champions Final, Thursday, 7:05pm at North Harbour Stadium:
1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (captain), 5. Maama Vaipulu, 6. Holly Greenway, 7. Taufa Bason, 8. Elizabith MoiMoi, 9. Tara Turner, 10. Ruahei Demant, 11. Jaymie Kolose, 12. Sylvia Brunt, 13. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, 20. Dajian Brown, 21. Kerri Johnson, 22. Krysten Cottrell, 23. Patricia Maliepo