Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Round Five Preview
Blues v Chiefs Manawa
When: Friday 10 July, 4:35 pm
Where: Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei.
Referee: Todd Petrie
Watch: Live on Sky Sport
Blues look to respond against Chiefs Manawa in Whangārei
Defending champions the Blues have an opportunity to bounce back after consecutive defeats for the first time since 2023. For their first visit to Semenoff Stadium in Whangārei, they have made several changes to the side that was beaten 45-30 by the Hurricanes Poua last Saturday.
The most notable selection is Black Ferns lock Maama Vaipulu, who returns after serving a three-week suspension.
Danny-Elle Fesolai, 19, has played 18 games for Auckland and won the Coleman Shield with Ponsonby three times, playing a vital role in the club's 26-game winning streak. She starts at openside alongside Amarante Sititi, who ranks in the competition's top 10 for carries, and Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, who has scored three tries and also sits inside the top five for carries.
The Blues crossed for six tries against the Poua but were unable to convert any of them. The backline has also been reshuffled, with Hollyrae Mete-Renata shifting to second five and Sylvia Brunt moving to centre. Mererangi Paul starts on the right wing, replacing Katelyn Vahaakolo, who will provide impact from the bench. Paul, Kolose and Vahaakolo have each scored three tries this season.
Round 4 Highlights: Hurricanes Poua v Blues
Milestone matches add extra motivation for Chiefs Manawa
Chiefs Manawa will be aiming for a breakthrough victory while celebrating milestone matches for Chyna Hohepa and Mia Anderson, who both bring up 20 games.
Hohepa, the sister of Black Ferns legend Carla Hohepa, has been one of the competition's most consistent performers. The 36-year-old lock and loose forward debuted for Waikato in 2012, has played 55 games and won three Farah Palmer Cup Premierships. She debuted for Chiefs Manawa in 2021 and helped the side claim the inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki title in 2022.
Recently capped Black Fern Anderson, from Kerikeri, earned her first opportunity with Manawa during the 2022 title-winning campaign. She has won 27 of her 32 matches for Waikato and has a son, Kairewa, with fellow Chief and former All Blacks Sevens speedster Tepaea Cook-Savage.
Anderson has made the most carries in the competition and ranks inside the top 10 for tackles, while Hohepa also features in the top 10 for tackles and lineout catches.
Chiefs Manawa lead the competition for carries and will look to turn that attacking intent into points. The starting backline is unchanged apart from winger Presayus Singh being promoted into the starting XV. Singh has played six times for Auckland and won the Coleman Shield twice with Ponsonby.
The Blues won the last meeting 27-26 and hold a narrow 5-4 advantage in the overall rivalry.
nib Blues team to play Chiefs Manawa
1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Aldora Itunu
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Maama Vaipulu
6. Amarante Sititi
7. Danny-Elle Fesolai
8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Hollyrae Mete-Renata
13. Sylvia Brunt
14. Mererangi Paul
15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee
Reserves: 16. Grace Gago, 17. Nijiho Nagata, 18. Harono Te Iringa, 19. Eloise Blackwell, 20. Dajian Brown, 21. Hazel Tubic, 22. Katelyn Vahaakolo, 23. Danii Mafoe
Chiefs Manawa team to play Blues
1. Chyann Kaitapu
2. Vici-Rose Green
3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
4. Jade Coates
5. Chyna Hohepa
6. Olivia Holten
7. Leata Puni-Lio
8. Mia Anderson (C)
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Madison Flutey
11. Presayus Singh
12. Huia Harding
13. Justine McGregor
14. Louise Blyde
15. Manaia Nuku
Reserves: 16. Nicole Purdom, 17. Amber Mundell, 18. Lonita Ngalu, 19. Leomie Kloppers, 20. Jessie Wharekura, 21. Holli O’Sullivan, 22. Shoshanah Seumanutafa, 23. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
Matatū v Hurricanes Poua
When: Saturday 11 July, 2:05 pm
Where: Fraser Park, Timaru
Referee: Erin Doherty
Watch: Live on Sky Sport
Hurricanes Poua chase third straight win
The Hurricanes Poua have transformed their season, ending a 12-game losing streak against Chiefs Manawa before producing arguably the finest performance in the club's history with a 45-30 victory over the Blues.
For the first time this season, the Poua have named an unchanged starting XV, reflecting the continuity that has underpinned their recent form.
Black Ferns halfback Iritana Hohaia celebrates her 20th match, having missed only four possible games for the Poua since 2022.
A major milestone also beckons for first five Renee Holmes. Holmes is level with Isabella Waterman (41) for the most points scored by a Hurricanes Poua player. The 26-year-old Black Fern, who previously scored 148 points for Matatū and Chiefs Manawa, is just six points away from becoming the first player in Super Rugby Aupiki history to score 200 career points.
Holmes also scored two tries for Matatū in their dramatic 25-24 loss to the Poua in 2022.
Wikitoria Viljoen, Arene Landon-Lane and Anahera Hamahona were outstanding against the Blues. Landon-Lane, a landscaper by trade, hails from Wellington powerhouse Northern United and was selected for the New Zealand Under 20 team in 2024.
The only change to the match-day squad is on the bench, where midfielder Kokako Raki returns after missing the previous two matches. Raki, 20, has played 13 games for Bay of Plenty.
Matatū eye home final after record winning run
Matatū have won a club-record four consecutive matches and another victory would secure a home final. They are unchanged from their 41-24 win over Chiefs Manawa.
Kiwi Ferns international Charntay Poko has stepped seamlessly into first five in the absence of Black Fern Hannah King. Poko has won 30 of her 39 matches for Canterbury and scored 70 points.
Matatū have scored 20 tries, equal with the Blues for the competition lead, and boast the best defensive record.
In a settled and confident side, Black Ferns No. 8 Kaipo Olsen-Baker has been among the competition's standout performers. She ranks in the top 10 across almost every major statistical category:
- Tries: 5 (1st)
- Points: 25 (3rd)
- Carries: 65 (2nd)
- Clean breaks: 3 (=10th)
- Defenders beaten: 13 (4th)
- Tackles: 72 (1st)
Round 4 Highlights: Chiefs Manawa v Matatū
Matatū team to face Hurricanes Poua
1. Marcelle Parkes
2. Nat Delamere
3. Pip Love
4. Emma Dermody
5. Paris Lokotui
6. Lucy Jenkins
7. Elinor-Plum King
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10. Charntay Poko
11. Alena Saili
12. Grace Brooker (C)
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Winnie Palamo
15. Maia Davis
Reserves: 16. Jett Hayward, 17. Maddi Robinson, 18. Eilis Doyle, 19. Sophie Kerr , 20. Sarah Jones, 21. Kelsyn McCook, 22. Holly Greenway, 23. Binky Muamua
Hurricanes Poua team to play Matatū
1. Angel Mulu
2. Tegan Willocks
3. Mo’omo’oga Palu
4. Sam Taylor – co-captain
5. Stacey Niao
6. Anahera Hamahona
7. Neve Anglesey
8. Brianna Wallace
9. Iritana Hohaia – 20th match
10. Renee Holmes
11. Fia Laikong
12. Te Rauoriwa Gapper – co-captain
13. Leilani Hakiwai
14. Wikitoria Viljoen
15. Arene Landon-Lane
Reserves: 16. Jordyn Tihore, 17. Keiana Roffey, 18. Faythe Finau, 19. Keelah Bodle, 20. Greer Muir, 21. Molly Scuffil-McCab, 22. Kokako Raki, 23. Hinemaringi Scott
