2025 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Teams: Round 5
The Blues and Matatū are set to line up in another epic battle, taking place at Semenoff Stadiu. This marks the first Sky Super Rugby Aupiki game to be played in Whāngarei.
Blues’ captain Maiakawanakaulani Roos will celebrate her 20th cap this weekend, becoming the first Blues player to reach the milestone playing for one club.
The Hurricanes Poua return to NZCIS to host the Chiefs Manawa. The home team are still searching for the first win of the season, while the Manawa are hoping to keep their finals chances alive. Krystal Murray joins her Chiefs Manawa teammates, Kennedy Tukuafu and Ariana Bayler, in the 20 cap club running off the pine in this weekend’s match up.
Round 5 Teams:
Blues v Matatū:
Blues (1-15): Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Grace Gago, Aldora Itunu, Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c), Maama Vaipulu, Holly Greenway, Taufa Bason, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Tara Turner, Ruahei Demant, Kerri Johnson, Patricia Maliepo, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose
Impact: Atlanta Lolohea, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Sophie Fisher, Eloise Blackwell, Elizabith Moimoi, Krysten Cottrell, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Daynah Nankivell
Unavailable due to injury: Sylvia Brunt (groin), Harono Te Iringa (shoulder), Kahlia Awa (illness)
Matatū (1-15): Pip Love, Georgia Ponsonby, Moomooga Palu, Emma Dermody, Chelsea Bremner, Alana Bremner (c), Lucy Jenkins, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Maia Joseph, Hannah King, Cheyelle Robins-Reti, Grace Brooker, Amy du Plessis, Winnie Palamo, Kaea Nepia
Impact: Tegan Hollows, Marcelle Parkes, Eilis Doyle, Tayla Simpson, Sarah Jones, Kelsyn McCook, Hollyrae Mete, Fia Laikong
Unavailable due to injury: **** Laura Bayfield, Amy Rule, Fiaali'i Solomona
Referee: Tarsh Ganley
Assistant Referees: Warwick Lahmert, Dan Moore
TMO: Cassie Watt
Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa:
Hurricanes Poua (1-15): Mele Tavake, Jayme Nuku, Nina Poletti, Jackie Patea-Fereti (c), Kahurangi Sturmey, Olioli Mua, Elinor-Plum King, Layla Sae, Iritana Hohaia, Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Ayesha Leti-I'iga, Monica Tagoai, Leilani Hakiwai, Shakira Baker, Cassie Siataga
Impact: Denise Aiolupotea, Angel Mulu, Forne Burkin, Leah Tuhi, Paige Lush, Natalie Delamere, Rangimarie Sturmey, Payton Takimoana
Unavailable due to injury: Sam Taylor (knee), Karli Faneva (knee)
Chiefs Manawa (1-15): Kate Henwood, Vici-Rose Green, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Jade Coates, Chyna Hohepa, Grace Kukutai, Kennedy Tukuafu, Mia Anderson, Ariana Bayler, Hazel Tubic, Mererangi Paul, Kiriana Nolan, Azalleyah Maaka, Ruby Tui, Tenika Willison
Impact: Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Krystal Murray, Santo Taumata, Logan Hauraki, Leata Puni-Lio, Holli O’Sullivan, Rosie Kelly, Renee Holmes
Unavailable due to injury: Charmaine Smith, Kelly Brazier
Referee: Erin Doherty
Assistant Referees: Todd Petrie, Maggie Cogger-Orr
TMO: Estelle Whaiapu
Sky Super Rugby Round 5 Fixtures:
Saturday 29 March, 2:05pm: Blues v Matatū - Semenoff Stadium, Whāngarei
Saturday 29 March, 4:35pm: Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa - NZCIS, Wellington
