Super Rugby Aupiki teams named as Blues seek perfect season

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