Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Round Four Preview

Super Rugby Aupiki

2 hours ago

Can the Hurricanes Poua win back-to-back games for the first time in their history? Can Chiefs Manawa break their duck? There’s plenty to be resolved in Round Four.

Blues v Hurricanes Poua

When: Saturday 4 July, 2.35pm

Where: Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt

Referee: Maggie Cogger-Orr

Watch: Live on Sky Sport

Blues looking to respond after first defeat

In the 2025 Grand Final replay, the Blues suffered their first loss of the season against Matatū. They overcame a 17-0 deficit to take a 21-20 lead before a brilliant Hannah King try sank the defending champions.

Following a convincing 42-7 win over the Hurricanes Poua in the first round, there is little panic in the Blues selection.

The only change is the return of Black Ferns loosehead prop Chryss Viliko from off-season knee surgery.

Following a strong 2025 Rugby World Cup campaign, Viliko will oppose fellow Black Fern Mo’omo’oga Palu in a mouthwatering scrum tussle.

Amarante Sititi played the best game of her short career on the blindside. Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee created two tries and kicked two sideline conversions during the Blues' rally.

Ultimately, the Blues lacked discipline, with even captain Maia Ross being sent to the sin bin. Greater patience, composure and sharper execution will be required if the Blues are to stop a buoyant Hurricanes Poua side. The Poua won for the first time in 12 games and 840 days last Saturday, claiming a stirring 34-29 upset win over Chiefs Manawa.

Round 3 Highlights: Blues v Matatū

Hurricanes Poua chasing consecutive wins

The Hurricanes have selected their most settled team, retaining a dozen players. Try-scorer Angel Mulu is promoted to the starting XV at loosehead prop. Leilani Hakiwai comes in at centre, while Fia Laikong starts in a back three that features Wikitoria Viljoen on the right wing and Arene Landon-Lane at fullback.

The loss of Ayesha Leti-I’iga, who ranks first in clean breaks and is in the top five for defenders beaten, metres gained and offloads, will hurt. But the Poua will take heart from Viljoen's form. The daughter of former Māori All Black Sam Doyle came of age in her second game by setting up a try for hooker Tegan Willocks and playing with a confidence reminiscent of her late father.

To

be

honest,

there

was

never

a

feeling

of

doubt.

I

was

really

confident,

even

at

peace.

We

have

a

really

good

team

culture

off

the

field.

Confidence

comes

from

the

leadership

team

on

the

field.

Renee

Holmes,

Iritana

Hohaia,

Sam

Taylor

and

Te

Rauoriwa

Gapper

are

our

leadership

group.

They're

really

supportive.

Every

mistake

you

make,

they're

there

to

pick

you

up

and

give

you

confidence.
Wikitoria Viljoen, Hurricanes Poua

Hohaia set to become equal-most capped Hurricanes Poua player

Hohaia is set to become the equal-most capped player in Poua history. The Black Ferns halfback has been named to start in what will be her 19th appearance, drawing level with injured loose forward Layla Sae for the most career matches

Blues vs Hurricanes Poua head-to-head

The Blues' overall Aupiki record is 17 wins and nine defeats, with 14 victories in the past two and a half seasons. They lead the head-to-head series 6-1.

Matatū v Chiefs Manawa

When: Saturday, 3.35pm

Where: Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe

Referee: Warwick Lahmert

Watch: Live on Sky Sport

Chiefs Manawa fighting to keep finals hopes alive

Chiefs Manawa must win to keep their hopes of making the final alive. That difficult task against unbeaten Matatū is even more complex with captain Kennedy Tukuafu unavailable due to a hamstring injury. Fellow Black Fern Mia Anderson will captain the side.

At least Chyann Kaitapu returns to the starting lineup to bolster the scrum at loosehead prop. Madison Flutey, daughter of Black Ferns assistant coach Riki Flutey, will make her first start of the season after two strong contributions from the bench. Huia Harding has also been named to start in the midfield, while Tynealle Fitzgerald moves into the No. 7 jersey. She was impactful from the bench against the Hurricanes Poua, scoring a late try.

Black Ferns Sevens star Manaia Nuku had a promising debut against the Poua and scored a try. Veteran lock Chyna Hohepa was exceptional. Otherwise, the Chiefs alarmingly blew a 14-3 lead against a side with 14 players. Still, coach Dwayne Sweeney is optimistic.

We've

had

a

few

close

results,

but

we

know

we're

still

right

in

this

competition.

The

group

is

hungry

for

the

opportunity

this

weekend.

There's

a

lot

of

power

and

quality

in

this

squad,

so

every

player

has

to

fight

for

their

spot.
Dwayne Sweeney, Chiefs Manawa Head Coach

Matatū aiming to strengthen finals position

Matatū are humming, with a quartet of players celebrating milestones. Laura Bayfield, Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Winnie Palamo will each bring up their Aoraki Buttercup milestones – the equivalent of three seasons with the club. Meanwhile, Elinor-Plum King reaches 50 first-class appearances.

Manukura duo King and Olsen-Baker are joint top try-scorers, with both also ranking inside the top 10 for defenders beaten and tackles made. Bayfield is the competition's leading tackler with 51 and, alongside Maia Ross, has won the most lineouts with 16.

Matatū have made no changes to the backline that defeated the Blues. Hannah King will look to continue her composed form and precise goal-kicking. There might have been a temptation to promote the precocious Binky Muamua, who has scored two tries in two games and made the memorable break that set up King's match-winner last Saturday.