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Teams named for Super Rugby Aupiki's undefeated clash

66 days ago

CHRISTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND - MARCH 09: Alana Bremner of Matatu leads her team onto the field during the round two Super Rugby Aupiki match between Matatu and Hurricanes Poua at Apollo Projects Stadium on March 09, 2025 in Christchurch, New Zealand. (Photo by Joe Allison/Getty Images)

This season’s undefeated heavyweights the Blues and Matatu have named their respective teams for round three’s mighty Super Rugby Aupiki clash.

Likewise, the winless Chiefs Manawa and Hurricanes Poua have revealed their teams as they look to get on the board in 2025.

The Chiefs Manawa are set to host the matchup and have the benefit of some returning bodies in the form of Grace Kukutai and Logan Hauraki. For the Wellingtonians, Te Rauoriwa Gapper and Rangimarie Sturmey make their first starts of the season.

The Blues have also made some changes, with Harono Te Iringa and Paris Mataroa adding excitement to the forward pack, each making their starting debuts in blue, with Portia Woodman-Wickliffe starting in the centres as opposed to her more familiar position of wing.

Matatu have injected some pace into the outside channels, with Charlotte Va’afusuaga and Hollyrae Mete named to start the big bout.

Matatu

Marcelle Parkes
Georgia Ponsonby
Amy Rule
Laura Bayfield
Chelsea Bremner
Alana Bremner (c)
Lucy Jenkins
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Charlotte Va’afusuaga
Grace Brooker
Amy du Plessis
Hollyrae Mete
Kaea Nepia

Reserves

16. Tegan Hollows
17. Pip Love
18. Eilis Doyle
19. Emma Dermody
20. Fiaali’i Solomona
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Noami Sopoaga
23. Keighley Simpson

Unavailable due to injury: Moomooga Palu, Chey Robins-Reti

Blues

Chryss Viliko
Atlanta Lolohea
Harono Te Iringa
Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
Maama Vaipulu
Paris Mataroa
Dajian Brown
Liana Mikaele Tu’u
Tara Turner
Ruahei Demant
Jaymie Kolose
Sylvia Brunt
Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
Katelyn Vahaakolo
Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves

16. Grace Gago
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Cheyenne Nauna Tuli-Fale
19. Holly Greenway
20. Elizabith Moimoi
21. Kahlia Awa
22. Krysten Cottrell
23. Patricia Meliepo

Unavailable due to injury: none

Chiefs Manawa

Kate Henwood
Luka Connor
Santo Taumata
Jade Coates
Charmaine Smith
Grace Kukutai
Martha Mataele
Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
Ariana Bayler
Kelly Brazier
Tenika Willison
Azalleyah Maaka
Mererangi Paul
Ruby Tui
Renee Holmes

Reserves

16. Vici-Rose Green
17. Krystal Murray
18. Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
19. Logan Hauraki
20. Chyna Hohepa
21. Holli O’Sullivan
22. Hazel Tubic
23. Shoshanah Seumanutafa

Unavailable due to injury: Rosie Kelly (calf, short-term), Leata Puni-Lio (shoulder, short-term), Tanya Kalounivale (finger, mid-term, 4-6 weeks)

Hurricanes Poua

Ngano Tavake
Forne Burkin
Angel Mulu
Samantha Taylor
Jackie Patea-Fereti
Olioli Mua
Elinor-Plum King
Layla Sae
Paige Lush
Tea Rauoriwa Gapper
Harmony Kautai
Rangimarie Sturmey
Monica Tagoai
Ayesha Leti-I’iga
Cassie Siataga

Reserves

16. Denise Aoilupotea
17. Natalie Delamere
18. Lavinia Lea
19. Joanah Ngan Woo
20. Kahurangi Sturmey
21. Raedeen Blake
22. Leilani Hakiwai
23. Teilah Ferguson

Unavailable due to injury: Iritana Hohaia (calf), Payton Takimoana (knee), Shakira Baker (Ankle), Karli Faneva (knee)

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 6 days ago

Teenager Braxton Sorensen-McGee reflects on dream Black Ferns debut

Although NZ won comfortably enough they weren’t always convincing and a better opposition may well have found them out. If our gun 7s players can translate their skills to the 15s game the team would have the ability to beat anyone. Need to be given the chance though.

4 Go to comments

James 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

And how do you see the Wallabies loosehead / Lion’s tighthead battle Nick?

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Also interested in your thoughts on A Bell. Haven't noticed many scrum issues recently. He also seems to play 60 or so mins every game. A bit of a fan (even though he’s a tah..) but wondered if the Lions would target his scrummaging

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

True. And you look at how the European coaches have got so much out of skelton and how much the local fans love him…and then some Oz fans will still say “he played poorly for the tahs I'm 2015!”

37 Go to comments

dw 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Thanks Nick but your headline has just jinxed us and reminded me of that night in 2013!

I love any analysis of the scrums such as the above. Cheers.

Allalatoa seems to be in good form and Nongorr appears to be able to hold his own? I think they will pick Tupou regardless of form. After Friday night I am concerned he could be sent off in the first five mins of the test though! He got too pumped up and hit a player high and was carded

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'Most complacent selection decision you will ever see': Barrett benching slammed as Leinster knocked out

I watched the mainstream NZ pundits eg Mils Muliaina and they DID back NZ to win almost to a man.

Ireland will talk their team up as anyone would with the caveats we are playing the ABs and match was de facto 50:50, That is not the same as dismissing the opposition. EG After the quarter John Kirwan said he was sorry France didn’t win versus SA becuase a ‘France-NZ final would be perfect. (The semis had not even been played yet, England and Argentina completely dismissed! He didn’t even realize his own arrogance) NZ are not even aware of the arrogance they exude. Has no Kiwi politely asked the national team to take down the ‘Superstars and Humble Heroes’ boasting on the AB site? Its cringeworthy stuff. Do NZ really see themselves like this?

Note all this BS about Irish arrogance started just after NZs defeat in the 2022 series. Not a coincidence.

Also: this is Irish national TV. We will talk our team up as everyone does. We care too much about judgemental and thin skinned Kiwis getting offended.

91 Go to comments

JM 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Aussie rugby fans are obsessed with players they hate, for whatever reason.

Michael Hooper is another one, and the hatred only increased whenever he won John Eales medals or the two times he was nominated world player of the year.

I reckon it is because our forwards are technically and mentally weak they put it all on one player who they think should make way for the messiah.

Same for the general team performance and the hate put on players like White, Lolesio, and Foley who should be pulling rabbits out of the hat every play.

I reckon, if we had of had 5 players with Hooper’s desire and drive spread across the team (and especiallythe forwards), we wouldn’t have woken up in the bottom of the ditch.

37 Go to comments

RedWarriors 6 days ago

'What he’s given to this club is nothing short of incredible'

He shouldn’t have been picked. Not physically able for the most intense matches notably in Twickenham last year. Giving him the captaincy was also a very short sighted decision then after RWC 2023. Ireland have a tendency to be a little too loyal, which can mean the team ages and the rebuild is bigger than should be.

Plenty of lads out there to fill that squad.

4 Go to comments

OJohn 6 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

He was also a YC magnet.

37 Go to comments

Carlos 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Windsor-Faulkner-Price. 😊

37 Go to comments

Solenn Bonnet 6 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Ah, the Pooler front row ! Most legendary in the history of the , I would think. Max Boyce helped…”Here we. here we, here we go, with the Pontypool front row.”

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Would not go as far as whole house in our family, but for me, yes, W1. Loved playing in the scrum, love watching now😀

37 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Yes, I see that article here on RP, Nick. That is good news that Schmidt is going to look at the o’seas players.

Yes, I would think you are right that LAR will qualify. On the same points as MP, but surely they are too good not to win this crunch game….could be tEnse for ROG in the stands though.

37 Go to comments

BC 6 days ago

Who would make it into a Women's British and Irish Lions starting XV?

I would pick Oifa Wafer at 6, put Aldcroft in the second row with Ward. I think Wafer is one of the few non-England players mentioned that would contend for a Red Rose shirt, the others being King and possibly Neve Jones. Conversely there are two English players mentioned, Sing and Venner, that probably won’t even make the Red Rose WC squad, let alone a Lions Tour. Still a lot can change in two years, watch out for Millie David.

1 Go to comments

Otagoman II 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Great article NB, thanks. I would like to know what is the reasoning why so many things are penalties in the scrum. Is it to do with safety or something else?

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

👍

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Always the same at the other place. Some of those perceptions of him at the Tahs - lazy, overweight and slow - were impossible to shift!

37 Go to comments

NB 6 days ago

'Whisper it, but the Wallabies could out-scrum the British and Irish Lions this summer'

Hang on to Miz Carlos!

37 Go to comments

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Teams named for Super Rugby Aupiki's undefeated clash

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