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Super Rugby Aupiki teams named as Blues seek perfect season

By Ned Lester
Super Rugby Aupiki teams named as Blues seek perfect season
NELSON, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 15: Ruahei Demant of the Blues is tackled during the round three Super Rugby Aupiki match between Matatu and Blues at Trafalgar Park on March 15, 2025 in Nelson, New Zealand. (Photo by Phil Walter/Getty Images)

Round 4 of Super Rugby Aupiki is upon us and there's a chance for the Chiefs Manawa and Hurricanes Poua to enact revenge for their respective round 2 losses, with the benefit of hosting the contests.

For Matatu, it's a chance to bounce back after their first loss of the Aupiki season last week against the Blues, who continue the hunt for a perfect, unbeaten season against the side that pushed them the closest this year, the Chiefs.

“We’ve been working hard to improve week by week, and I’m really pleased with the effort the squad is putting in,” said Blues head coach Willie Walker.

“We know Chiefs Manawa will bring a lot of intensity, and we’re expecting a physical contest. It’s a great opportunity for us to keep growing as a team and put out a strong performance on Saturday.”

A milestone will be reached this week as both Chiefs Manawa captain Kennedy Tukuafu and halfback Ariana Bayler will become the first players to reach 20 Super Rugby Aupiki appearances, having played every game of the four seasons to date.

Hurricanes Poua team to play Matatu

  1.  Ngano Tavake

  2. Jayme Nuku

  3. Nina Poletti

  4. Samantha Taylor

  5. Jackie Patea-Fereti

  6. Olioli Mua

  7. Elinor-Plum King

  8. Layla Sae

  9. Iritana Hohaia

  10. Te Rauoriwa Gapper

  11. Harmony Kautai

  12. Rangimarie Sturmey

  13. Leilani Hakiwai

  14. Ayesha Leti-I'iga

  15. Cassie Siataga

Reserves

16. Denise Aiolupotea

17. Angel Mulu

18. Forne Burkin

19. Joanah Ngan Woo

20. Paige Lush

21. Kahurangi Sturmey

22. Monica Tagoai

23. Isabella Waterman

Matatu team to play Hurricanes Poua

  1. Pip Love

  2. Georgia Ponsonby

  3. Amy Rule

  4. Laura Bayfield

  5. Chelsea Bremner

  6. Alana Bremner

  7. Lucy Jenkins

  8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker

  9. Maia Joseph

  10. Hannah King

  11. Fia Laikong

  12. Grace Brooker

  13. Amy du Plessis

  14. Winnie Palamo

  15. Kaea Nepia

Reserves

16. Tegan Hollows

17. Marcelle Parkes

18. Moomooga Palu

19. Emma Dermody

20. Fiaali'i Solomona

21. Kelsyn McCook

22. Hollyrae Mete

23. Keighley Simpson

Blues team to play Chiefs Manawa

  1. Chryss Viliko

  2. Atlanta Lolohea

  3. Aldora Itunu

  4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)

  5. Maama Vaipulu

  6. Holly Greenway

  7. Dajian Brown

  8. Liana Mikaele-Tu’u

  9. Tara Turner

  10. Krysten Cottrell

  11. Jaymie Kolose

  12. Ruahei Demant

  13. Sylvia Brunt

  14. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe

  15. Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves

16. Grace Gago

17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu

18. Harono Te Iringa

19. Eloise Blackwell

20. Taufa Bason (debut)

21. Kahlia Awa

22. Kerri Johnson

23. Patricia Maliepo

Chiefs Manawa team to play Blues

  1. Kate Henwood

  2. Vici Rose-Green

  3. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu

  4. Jade Coates

  5. Charmaine Smith

  6. Chyna Hohepa

  7. Martha Mataele

  8. Kennedy Tukuafu (c)

  9. Ariana Bayler

  10. Kelly Brazier

  11. Mererangi Paul

  12. Kiriana Nolan

  13. Azalleyah Maaka

  14. Ruby Tui

  15. Tenika Willison

Reserves

16. Grace Houpapa-Barrett

17. Krystal Murray

18. Santo Taumata

19. Logan Hauraki

20. Mia Anderson

21. Holli O’Sullivan

22. Rosie Kelly

23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa

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