Woodman-Wickliffe headlines Super Rugby Aupiki round one team namings

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

1. Kate Henwood
2. Vici Rose-Green
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
4. Charmaine Smith
5. Jade Coates
6. Chyna Hohepa
7. Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
8. Mia Anderson
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Hazel Tubic
11. Reese Anderson
12. Kelly Brazier
13. Mererangi Paul
14. Ruby Tui
15. 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

1. Pip Love
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Amy Rule
4. Laura Bayfield
5. Chelsea Bremner
6. Alana Bremner
7. Lucy Jenkins
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Jospeh
10. Hannah King
11. Fia Laikong*
12. Grace Brooker
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Winnie Palamo
15. 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

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

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

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu
6. Elizabith Moimoi
7. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
8. Kahlia Awa
9. Krysten Cottrell
10. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
11. Ruahei Demant
12. Sylvia Brunt
13. Katelyn Vahaakolo
14. 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