Super Rugby Aupiki: Looking ahead to Blues vs Chiefs

Sunday sees an intriguing encounter in Super Rugby Aupiki as the Blues tackle the Chiefs in what will be the final play of this year’s edition of the tournament.  

In terms of the log, Chiefs remain the only unbeaten side, having amassed a total of 9 overall points. The Blues trail the Chiefs by 3 while the Hurricanes and Matutu are some way off the pace in third and fourth spots respectively. 

Good news infiltrated the Blues camp this week with the return of Black Ferns representative Eloise Blackwell as well as captain Aroha Savage. 

Apart from those changes, Head Coach Willie Walker has stuck with largely the same squad. 

Despite the tournament having to be condensed due to complications relating to Covid, Walker is looking forward to the challenge. 

“Obviously it would have been nice to have played the full competition but I am full of admiration with the way the girls have approach the covid challenge. They have been very professional and remained upbeat – and I know they are fizzing after the game during the week. 

“With the expanded squads and rolling subs, we are able to use most of the girls, and we felt it was better to build further on what the team began against Matatu. 

“Naturally the team are excited for their captain to be fit for selection, and for Eloise to be able to take her place to come off the bench. The team will be all the better for that first game. And they know what to expect.” 

Chiefs boss Allan Bunting said they were geared up for the task at hand.  

“We are well aware what’s on the line this Sunday and look forward to the challenge,” he said. “We have done really well as a group to progress through this competition and to battle our way into what the first ever Aupiki final. I’m very proud of the team, I know our ladies will leave everything out on the field this weekend. 
 
 

“It’s great to have some players return to our squad to get their opportunity to be part of history. We know the Blues will bring the intensity and we are looking forward to putting on a performance our whānau, fans and region can be proud of.”