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Final awaits as teams named for Super Rugby Aupiki final round

50 days ago

Katelyn Vahaakolo of the Blues. Photo by Dave Rowland/Getty Images

The sixth and final round of Super Rugby Aupiki is upon us, and the top spot is very much still up for grabs after Matatu’s upset win over the Blues in round five.

The Auckland team still own a one-point advantage over the South Islanders on the standings, and will host the winless Hurricanes Poua to round out the regular season.

For Matatu, they conclude the regular season playing host to a Chiefs Manawa side who own a better points differential than them, despite having lost three games to Matatu’s one.

Here are the team lists for round six.

Hurricanes Poua team to play the Blues

Ngano Tavake
Forne Burkin
Nina Poletti
Jackie Patea-Fereti (C)
Kahurangi Sturmey
Olioli Mua
Elinor-Plum King
Layla Sae (VC)
Iritana Hohaia (VC)
Te Rauoriwa Gapper
Ayesha Leti-I’iga
Monica Tagoai
Leilani Hakiwai
Shakira Baker
Cassie Siataga

Reserves

16. Denise Aiolupotea
17. Angel Mulu
18. Jayme Nuku
19. Joanah Ngan-Woo
20. Raedeen Blake
21. Natalie Delamere
22. Teilah Ferguson
23. Isabella Waterman

Blues team to play the Hurricanes Poua

Chryss Viliko
Atlanta Lolohea
Aldora Itunu
Maiakawanakaulani Roos ©
Maama Vaipulu
Elizabith MoiMoi
Taufa Bason
Liana Mikaele-Tuu
Kahlia Awa
Krysten Cottrell
Jaymie Kolose
Ruahei Demant
Sylvia Brunt
Katelyn Vahaakolo
Braxton Sorensen-McGee

Reserves

16. Grace Gago
17. Awhina Tangen-Wainohu
18. Harono Te Iringa
19. Eloise Blackwell (20 games)
20. Holly Greenway
21. Patricia Maliepo
22. Portia Woodman-Wickliffe
23. Danii Mafoe

Matatu team to play the Chiefs Manawa

Marcelle Parkes
Georgia Ponsonby
Moomooga Palu
Laura Bayfield
Alana Bremner
Fiaali’i Solomona
Lucy Jenkins
Kaipo Olsen-Baker
Maia Joseph
Hannah King
Cheyelle Robins-Reti
Grace Brooker
Amy du Plessis
Winnie Palamo
Kaea Nepia

Reserves

16. Tegan Hollows
17. Pip Love
18. Amy Rule
19. Stacey Niao
20. Sarah Jones
21. Kelsyn McCook
22. Hollyrae Mete
23. Fia Laikong

Chiefs Manawa team to play Matatu

Kate Henwood
Vici-Rose Green
Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
Jade Coates
Chyna Hohepa
Grace Kukutai
Kennedy Tukuafu (c)
Mia Anderson
Ariana Bayler
Kelly Brazier
Reece Anderson
Shoshanah Seumanutafa
Mererangi Paul
Ruby Tui
Renee Holmes

Reserves

16. Grace Houpapa-Barrett
17. Krystal Murray
18. Santo Taumata
19. Charmaine Smith
20. Leata Puni-Lio
21. Holli O’Sullivan
22. Rosie Kelly
23. Azalleyah Maaka

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Comments on RugbyPass

Cantab 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 days ago

Geoff Parling returns to Leicester as head coach

Hooray

0 Go to comments

Carlos 11 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 11 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 11 days ago

Leinster cleanse palette with record URC scoreline against Zebre

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0 Go to comments

Mzilikazi 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 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 11 days ago

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

👍