Teams named for Super Rugby Aupiki's undefeated clash

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

1. Marcelle Parkes
2. Georgia Ponsonby
3. Amy Rule
4. Laura Bayfield
5. Chelsea Bremner
6. Alana Bremner (c)
7. Lucy Jenkins
8. Kaipo Olsen-Baker
9. Maia Joseph
10. Hannah King
11. Charlotte Va’afusuaga
12. Grace Brooker
13. Amy du Plessis
14. Hollyrae Mete
15. 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

1. Chryss Viliko
2. Atlanta Lolohea
3. Harono Te Iringa
4. Maiakawanakaulani Roos (c)
5. Maama Vaipulu
6. Paris Mataroa
7. Dajian Brown
8. Liana Mikaele Tu’u
9. Tara Turner
10. Ruahei Demant
11. Jaymie Kolose
12. Sylvia Brunt
13. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
14. Katelyn Vahaakolo
15. 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

1. Kate Henwood
2. Luka Connor
3. Santo Taumata
4. Jade Coates
5. Charmaine Smith
6. Grace Kukutai
7. Martha Mataele
8. Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
9. Ariana Bayler
10. Kelly Brazier
11. Tenika Willison
12. Azalleyah Maaka
13. Mererangi Paul
14. Ruby Tui
15. 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

1. Ngano Tavake
2. Forne Burkin
3. Angel Mulu
4. Samantha Taylor
5. Jackie Patea-Fereti
6. Olioli Mua
7. Elinor-Plum King
8. Layla Sae
9. Paige Lush
10. Tea Rauoriwa Gapper
11. Harmony Kautai
12. Rangimarie Sturmey
13. Monica Tagoai
14. Ayesha Leti-I’iga
15. 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)