Hurricanes Poua v Blues Women
Kick-off: 4:35pm Saturday 1 March
Sky Stadium, Wellington
Live blog updates on RNZ Sport
Blues Women coach Willie Walker is in no doubt his team's heads are where they need to be as they prepare to defend their Super Rugby Aupiki title. The team heads to Wellington on Saturday for their opening match of the competition, but there is the looming World Cup and what it will bring this season as well.
"It's a short, condensed buildup, but we can't wait for the competition to start," said Walker, now in his fourth year in charge of the side. He said his players thinking about the World Cup was inevitable, but an Aupiki double was the priority.
"We've stayed well away from that. We know there's that added pressure in the back of their minds, but if we can focus on the job ahead of them," he said, adding that the Blues will aim to play fast, attacking rugby, balanced with game management.
Someone who can help in both departments thank to her vast experience is the biggest signing of the off-season, with Walker naming Portia Woodman-Wickliffe to start on the wing for the game against the Hurricanes Poua.
"What she adds to the environment as a whole has been awesome, so we're very grateful to have her here," he said.
New Zealand’s Portia Woodman-Wickliffe celebrates a try against Great Britain on day one of the HSBC SVNS Grand Final at Stadium Civitas Metropolitano on 31 May, 2024 in Madrid, Spain. Photo credit: Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby Photo: © Mike Lee - KLC fotos for World Rugby 2024
At the other end of the experience scale is debutant fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee, in her first year out of Auckland Girls Grammar.
"I tried to get her in this time last year, but she was just too young. So to have her in our environment now is pretty cool, she's developing really well."
Meanwhile, captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos is enjoying the group she's leading this year.
"We have a few new players, some young and a lot with a bit more experience in the team. Still the same vibes, we're having lots of fun together."
Roos, along with the likes of Ruahei Demant, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u and Katelyn Vahaakolo, are deadest certainties for Allan Bunting's Black Ferns squad later in the year if they can get through the Aupiki season unscathed. Walker said that his plans are unaffected by what the Black Ferns were doing, in terms of player selection and positioning.
The other match this weekend sees Chiefs Manawa host Matatū on Saturday afternoon in Hamilton.
Team lists
Hurricanes Poua: 1. Angel Mulu, 2. Natalie Delamere, 3. Lavinia Lea, 4. Sam Taylor, 5. Jackie Patea-Fereti, 6. Kahurangi Sturmey, 7. Elinor-Plum King, 8. Layla Sae, 9. Iritana Hohaia, 10. Cassie Siataga, 11. Ayesha Leti-I'iga, 12. Monica Tagoai, 13. Teilah Ferguson, 14. Leilani Hakiwai, 15. Isabella Waterman
Bench: 16. Denise Aiolupotea, 17. Nina Poletti, 18. Jayme Nuku, 19. Joanah Ngan-Woo, 20. Paige Lush, 21. Olioli Mua, 22. Keira Su'a-Smith, 23. Arene Landon-Lane
Blues Women: 1. Chryss Viliko, 2. Atlanta Lolohea, 3. Aldora Itunu, 4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), 5. Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, 6. Elizabeth Moimoi, 7. Dajian Brown, 8. Liana Mikaele-Tuu; 9. Kahlia Awa, 10. Krysten Cottrell, 11. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, 12. Ruahei Demant, 13. Sylvia Brunt, 14. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Bench: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Paris Mataroa, 21. Tara Turner, 22. Keri Johnson, 23. Jaymie Kolose
