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Blues forced into two changes, switch playmakers for Champions Final

By Ned Lester

27 days ago

AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND - APRIL 12: Ruahei Demant of the Blues passes during the Super Rugby Aupiki Final match between Blues and Matatu at Eden Park on April 12, 2025 in Auckland, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

The Blues have lost two members of their matchday 23 from the Super Rugby Aupiki final for their Champions Final clash with the Waratahs on Thursday evening.

Influential No. 8 Liana Mikaele-Tu’u sustained a foot injury in the win, while Eloise Blackwell’s absence is a result of judicial proceedings after receiving a red card in the final. Elizabith MoiMoi and Cheyenne Tuli-Fale come in as replacements.

A significant change in the backline sees Ruahei Demant start at 10 and Krysten Cottrell moved to the bench, with Sylvia Brunt coming into Demant’s vacated No. 12 jersey.

Following Saturday’s win, Blues head coach Willie Walker said he expected a tough battle with the Waratahs, highlighting the teams’ 36-all draw in pre-season as an example of how competitive the two champions are.

“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,” Walker said.

“Matatu 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.”

Blues team to play the Waratahs

1. Chryss Viliko – 20th game
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (captain)
5. Maama Vaipulu – 20th game
6. Holly Greenway
7. Taufa Bason
8. Elizabith MoiMoi
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose – 20th game
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

LIVE

Comments

1 Comment

EatBreath7s 27 days ago

So looking forward to this game, finally a chance to test out each other’s respective comps against each other in a meaningful game, not just pre season.

Hopefully the weather doesn't turn to custard as supporters of both teams want to see a open and fast game.

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 4 hours ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 5 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 5 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 hours ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 5 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 5 hours ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 6 hours ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 6 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 6 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 6 hours ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 7 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 7 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 7 hours ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 7 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 7 hours ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍