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Woodman-Wickliffe headlines Super Rugby Aupiki round one team namings
By Ned Lester
Super Rugby Aupiki is back with round one kicking off this weekend in Hamilton as the Chiefs host Matatu. The season opener will be followed by the Hurricanes Poua hosting the Blues.
The return of the great Portia Woodman-Wickliffe headlines the announcements, with the Black Ferns and Black Ferns Sevens icon named to start for the Blues on her familiar left wing, forming a truly world-class wing duo with Katelyn Vahaakolo on the right.
Both debutants and established Black Ferns alike will be eager to impress from the outset as the World Cup year gets underway and the selection race takes flight.
Chiefs Manawa
- Kate Henwood
- Vici Rose-Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Charmaine Smith
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
- Mia Anderson
- Ariana Bayler
- Hazel Tubic
- Reese Anderson
- Kelly Brazier
- Mererangi Paul
- Ruby Tui
- Renee Holmes
Reserves
16. Grace Hopapa-Barrett
17. Krystal Murray
18. Tanya Kalounivale
19. Leata Puni-Lio
20. Keelah Bodle
21. Holli O'Sullivan
22. Kiriana Nolan
23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa
Matatu
- Pip Love
- Georgia Ponsonby
- Amy Rule
- Laura Bayfield
- Chelsea Bremner
- Alana Bremner
- Lucy Jenkins
- Kaipo Olsen-Baker
- Maia Jospeh
- Hannah King
- Fia Laikong*
- Grace Brooker
- Amy du Plessis
- Winnie Palamo
- Kaea Nepia*
Reserves
16. Jett Haywood
17. Marcelle Parkes
18. Moomooga Palu
19. Emma Dermody
20. Fiaali'i Solomona
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Charlotte Va'afusuaga
23. Keighley Simpson
Hurricanes Poua
- Angel Mulu
- Natalie Delamere
- Lavinia Lea
- Sam Taylor
- Jackie Patea-Fereti
- Kahurangi Sturmey
- Elinor-Plum King
- Layla Sae
- Iritana Hohaia
- Cassie Siataga
- Ayesha Leti-I'iga
- Monica Tagoai
- Teilah Ferguson
- Leilani Hakiwai
- Isabella Waterman
Reserves
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
- Chryss Viliko
- Atlanta Lolohea
- Aldora Itunu
- Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
- Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu
- Elizabith Moimoi
- Liana Mikaele-Tu'u
- Kahlia Awa
- Krysten Cottrell
- Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
- Ruahei Demant
- Sylvia Brunt
- Katelyn Vahaakolo
- Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves
16. Grace Gago
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Harono Te Iringa
19. Eloise Blackwell
20. Paris Mataora
21. Tara Turner
22. Kerri Johnson
23. Jaymie Kolose
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Latest Comments
Yes it does appear that way - long may it continue!
Go to commentsThe debate was in the context of the Lions squad. Multiple club and national coaches have chosen him (considerably) more often at 7, so there’s enough people fancy he’s good in the role.
The win rates are vitally important for this Lions tour. ‘01/’05/’09 were losses. ‘17 was a draw and ‘21 was a utter disgrace that stained the game. And a loss. They’ve won one test series in 24 years. And just 12 months ago people were worried about how uncompetitive Australia might be. Talk about added pressure.
Farrell is a straight forward, no nonsense type of guy. He’ll probably pick conservatively and with guys in their proven positions. He hasn’t the time for bolters or shock calls. Not with the touring schedule they have.
You haven’t remotely offended me, chief. Not at all.
Go to comments