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The Blues will be relying on Heat stars to fire as they tackle NSW Women in Sydney during tonight’s Women’s Super Rugby Champions Final, from 7.30pm (NZ time).
Although another Counties Manukau star, Jaymie Kolose, is nursing an injured ankle, Hazel Tubic will step up as fly-half and scintillating young winger Sariyah Paitai should provide fireworks out wide.
After completing a Super Rugby Aupiki three-peat last weekend, the Blues and NSW Women will decide which side of the ditch is home to one of the world’s best rugby franchises.
The Blues have made several changes to their Aupiki-winning squad, with injuries forcing the reshuffle.
In the forwards, Grace Gago and Eloise Blackwell return to the starting lineup at hooker and lock (respectively). Taufa Bason has been named to start at openside flanker.
Out wide, young talent Sariyah Paitai has an opportunity to impress.
The bench features potential debutant Zara Feaunati, while Ruahei Demant and Mererangi Paul will provide impact among the reserves.
The match-day squad is:
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Grace Gago
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Eloise Blackwell
6. Amarante Sititi
7. Taufa Bason
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Hazel Tubic
11. Katelyn Vahaakolo
12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Sariyah Paitai
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves: Danny-Elle Fesolai, Nijiho Nagata, Harono Te Iringa, Zara Feaunati, Tafito Lafaele, Ffion Penney, Ruahei Demant and Mererangi Paul
Unavailable for selection due to injury: Dajian Brown, Ella Henderson, Jaymie Kolose, Atlanta Lolohea, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Maama Vaipulu
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