More Black Ferns Sevens stars return in Blues and Chiefs Manawa teams

Round 2 of the Super Rugby Aupiki season will feature yet more Black Ferns Sevens talent, with the season debuts of three stars slated for Hamilton.

The Blues, who won their opening-round game against the Hurricanes Poua 42-7, have named Jaymie Kolose and Katelyn Vahaakoko to start on the wings for the fixture, with the latter celebrating her 20th game for the club.

The Chiefs Manawa, who fell to a 26-52 defeat in front of a record crowd in Christchurch last week, have named former high school sensation Justine McGregor for her Aupiki debut. The 20-year-old is already a capped Black Fern, having contributed to New Zealand’s Pacific Four Series crown back in May.

Black Ferns Sevens stardom also runs through the veins of the Chiefs’ second debutant this week, Louise Blyde, who is the cousin of SVNS Series speedster Michaela Blyde. The two debutants follow the 12 who debuted for the Chiefs last week.

The Blues have handed Samoan international prop Glory Aiono a starting debut with Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono sidelined for the week, with the defending champs also losing Amarante Sititi to injury and Maama Vaipulu to suspension.

Blues team to face Chiefs Manawa

1. Glory Aiono (debut)
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Eloise Blackwell
6. Tafito Lafaele
7. Taufa Bason
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Sylvia Brunt (20th game)
13. Mererangi Paul
14. Katelyn Vahaakolo (20th game)
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves

16. Grace Gago
17. Nijiho Nagata
18. Harono Te Iringa
19. Dajian Brown
20. Danny-Elle Fesolai
21. Ffion Penney
22. Hazel Tubic
23. Hollyrae Mete-Renata

Injury list

Ella Henderson (concussion)
Cilia-Marie Po’e-Tofaeono (concussion)
Amarante Sititi (concussion)
Cheyenne Tuli-Fale (back)
Maama Vaipulu (suspension)
Chryss Viliko (knee)

Chiefs Manawa team to face the Blues

1. Chyann Kaitapu
2. Vici-Rose Green
3. Lonita Ngalu
4. Jade Coates
5. Chyna Hohepa
6. Olivia Holten
7. Kennedy Tukuafu
8. Mia Anderson
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Carys Dallinger
11. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
12. Shoshanah Seumanutafa
13. Justine McGregor*
14. Louise Blyde*
15. Presayus Singh

Reserves

16. Nicole Purdom
17. Te Urupounamu McGarvey
18. Amber Mundell
19. Leomie Kloppers
20. Tynealle Fitzgerald
21. Holli O’Sullivan
22. Madison Flutey
23. Lela Ieremia

Injury list

Kaea Nepia
Kiriana Nolan
Levonah Motuliki
Jessie Wharekura
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
Manaia Nuku
Leata Puni-Lio