Super Rugby

With a host of exciting new talent, some players swapping teams, and other familiar faces returning for Super Rugby Aupiki. Who are the rookies set to make ...

The 20-year-old is a product of St Mary’s College, who've produced recent Black Ferns Dhys Faleafaga and Monica Tagoai. They boast Black Ferns Renee Holmes, Grace Steinmetz, and Cheyelle Robins-Reti out wide and Canterbury wing Martha Mataele who scored in every FPC game for Premiership-winning Canterbury. A silky runner with good distribution and anticipation, an intercept she poached against Auckland won the match 7-3 late last year.

Hurricanes Poua skipper says it's important for the momentum created by last year's World Cup triumph to be continued in 2023.

Before those shoulder issues, and surgery, she also had to overcome a slipped disc in her back in 2017and the death of her father from prostate cancer, which hit her hard. That knowledge is not to hold on to – it’s to share with others.” Patea-Fereti is rapt that Black Ferns are now on professional contracts, and that Aupiki has opened up a pathway to that level. They still have to go to work or study, and having to train like a fulltime athlete is quite challenging. We’ve never had a lot of interest in pre-season training, and this is the first time we’ve had over 15 girls there wanting to play XVs At 36, the Poua skipper is a marvel, working fulltime with the Department of Internal Affairs and still playing at a high level. it’s cool to have females being role models for the girls coming through.” That contemplation did not take long as the veteran forward realised what a pivotal time it is for the women’s game, and that she still had the desire, and capability, to do her bit to continue the special vibe created by the Black Ferns’ World Cup triumph in 2022. Now she’s thrilled to see Black Ferns stars such as Hirini, Ruby Tui and Ruahei Demant setting the example for young female players. Patea-Fereti grew up in Wainuiomata, and looked to male players as her role models. We ended up going to the final, and he loved it, because we don’t know when we’ll next have a World Cup in New Zealand. “It’s created a lot of interest in the women’s game.

The COVID-19 pandemic meant the inaugural season was played without any home support.

Former Black Ferns captain Victoria Grant has left the henhouse to coach the Hurricanes Poua, an important first in Super Rugby Aupiki.

A former national volleyball representative, Sae is a “physical beast – the fittest in the team,” Grant says. “It’s about harnessing that because the majority of our team are like that,” Grant says. “This feels like the first season of Aupiki – last year was such a unique situation,” Grant says. “It will be a good ding-dong battle, I reckon.” “As a teenager, I didn’t know the game at all,” says Grant, nee Blackledge, who also went on to play sevens for New Zealand. In the first Poua camp this year, six players were out with the virus. “Sometimes when you go straight from playing to coaching it can be a big niggly, but I’m definitely in the coaching phase,” says Grant, who hung up her rugby boots in 2012 after back surgery. “I’m grateful to be at home the other three days.” Growing people and getting the best out of them by using their superpowers.” As head coach – one of the first two women to hold the role in Super Rugby Aupiki – Grant feels equally at home. She rides her horses here and has a free-range egg “side hustle”. This lifestyle block in the Bay of Plenty is the former Black Ferns captain’s happy place.

The Super Rugby Pacific championship kicks off tonight, with the Crusaders hosting the Chiefs in Christchurch. Follow all the action with a live blog from ...

The Blues won 15 straight games last year only to lose the final. Can they go one better?

In the younger bracket loos forward Rob Rush, son of former All Blacks and sevens star Eric, and winger Caleb Tangitau are nods to the future. It’s a new competition and we’ve got to get it right from the start. And when the Crusaders applied the blowtorch to their lineout in the final, the Blues had no answers which completely stifled their vaunted attacking threats. He needs a big season to crack the All Blacks World Cup squad with Sam Whitelock, Brodie Retallick, Scott Barrett, Tupou Vaa’i and Josh Lord in the locking mix. Reflecting the scars of his team-mates, inspirational Blues captain Dalton Papalii admitted the final loss cut him deep, describing it as a low point of his career as he returned to training this year. “I know a lot of the players from last year still have that ember burning inside from what happened,” Papalii said. In a rare sighting for New Zealand teams the Blues also won two games via last minute dropped goals. We’ve got to physically and mentally start again and we’ve done that really well. “That was gut-wrenching but we know it’s a new year. “It’s also important we start again and move on. Their nervy semifinal victory against the Brumbies was far too close for comfort, pointing to vulnerabilities under intense finals pressure. On other occasions they used their All Blacks-laden pack to lay a largely dominant platform and score regularly from mauls.

Another who has really impressed is Crusaders debutant Christian Lio-Willie, thriving after being called off the bench early thanks to a Cullen Grace injury ...

The All Blacks midfielder will play at fullback against the Chiefs with his star teammate unavailable.

Leon MacDonald wants his team to leave last year's final heartache in their rearview mirrors when they open Super Rugby Pacific under the roof in Dunedin.

A fifth on the bounce would be the perfect way to leave the final nightmare in their dust. They may lack the reputations of their northern mates, but you can be sure their competitiveness will be right up there. In Billy Harmon, Shannon Frizell and Marino Mikaele-Tu'u they have a loose trio of quality, Ethan de Groot anchors the tight five and there will be plenty of interest in how feisty halfback Folau Fakatava looks after a near miracle return from that knee injury. Papalii talked about the “ember still burning inside” from last year’s final, but also the need to push on and forge a different narrative in 2023. Up front, Patrick Tuipulotu returns to provide his harder edge and the likes of Papalii, Akira Ioane, Hoskins Sotutu and Ofa Tuungafasi all have plenty to prove in terms of the national picture. They like to have that image of the underdogs that no one really backs.” ”It’s important we learn, and take some stuff from it, but it’s also important we start again and move on,” said MacDonald of the backdrop of last year’s final defeat to the Crusaders. In closer Beauden Barrett, who might be short of a gallop, will look to ignite. We’re aware of the ambush and that any softness in our thinking will get caught out quickly.” I know there’s a lot of disappointment from last year and there’s a lot of excitement around this year. The Blues, of course, lost their opener in 2022 against the Hurricanes, before rattling off those 15 consecutive victories ahead of the final. ”They are [dangerous],” said MacDonald of the southerners under first-year head coach Clarke Dermody.

Rugby fans, it's time to rejoice. After 251 days, Super Rugby Pacific is back – and it all starts with a New Zealand blockbuster between the Crusaders and ...

“For me, Damian McKenzie goes to the World Cup and for Chiefs fans… He’ll be in the 10 jersey this year for the boys from the Tron.” Rugby fans, it’s time to rejoice. “To me, it’s not in doubt, he’ll be going to the World Cup. [Damian McKenzie](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/damian-mckenzie/) is back for the Chiefs in 2023 after taking a sabbatical in Japan.

After rattling off 15 straight Super Rugby Pacific victories in '22, the Auks stumbled when it mattered most. They are men on a mission this year.

They will have to wait four months to answer that. The Blues look well capable of going all the way in ‘23. We didn't get it right this time last year in round 1 (the Blues lost their opener, before rattling off those 15 on the bounce), so hopefully we can start better.” We’ve got to start again and make sure physically and mentally we’re in the right place to start again. It’s interesting that departed scrum coach Ben Afeaki was replaced by Paul Tito whose brief is to mastermind the lineout. [championship or bust season for the Blues](https://www.stuff.co.nz/sport/rugby/super-rugby/300794423/agony-of-2022-fuels-dalton-papalii-for-blues-crack-at-super-rugby-redemption). Maybe hooker. “I like to think you’ve got to lose one to win one … “I’ve got to admit that was a real low point for me. So close. In our fifth instalment, it’s last year’s runnersup, the Blues. Remember that splendid occasion at Eden Park?

Join Newshub from 7pm for the Super Rugby opener at Orangetheory Stadium.

Damian McKenzie made his return for the Chiefs in the opening round of Super Rugby Pacific. Photo / Getty Images. Follow the action as the Crusaders host ...

Tries for Alex Nankivell and Cortez Ratima followed to leave the Crusaders shellshocked. The final scoreline suggests otherwise but the Chiefs didn’t have it all their own way. Such a figure is unheard of for the Crusaders. From the resulting lineout, Weber’s superb delayed short ball sent Sam Cane over as the Chiefs stole the lead for the first time. Those chances rapidly disappeared for the Crusaders in the second half to bring the defending champions back down to earth with a thud. McKenzie underlined his influential display with a pinpoint 50/22 kick.

The Chiefs rallied from 10-0 down after 20 minutes to beat the defending champion Crusaders 31-10 Friday and pull off the first upset of the Super Rugby ...

Retallick scored in the 33rd minute after a break by Shaun Stevenson set up an attacking lineout. “I thought in the second half we got a lot of that right. The Christchurch-based Crusaders were forced to make a large number of tackles in the second half and missed too many as they were outscored 24-0.

The Super Rugby Pacific championship kicked off tonight, with the Chiefs dominating the Crusaders 31-10 in Christchurch. Here's how it all happened.

The Crusaders did showcase some talents tonight, with Christian Lio-Willie particularly impressive after replacing Cullen Grace early, while Sevu Reece was busy ...

Perennial champs stunned on home turf, kept scoreless for the final hour in losing a first season-opener in Scott Robertson's reign.

In the end he racked up whopping game-high numbers for metres (149) and defenders beaten (nine), as well as being equal-top for clean breaks (three). 8/10: If this is what the Super season has in store, then buckle up. His hot late 2022 form continued with several sizzling attacks to spark his side, playing the first half at fullback before being forced to left wing for the second. The Chiefs hung tough, though. The last time the red and blacks dropped a round-one game? The last time they failed to clinch the title.

Five takeaways from the Chiefs' stunning 31-10 win over the Crusaders in Christchurch in the opening game of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific.

A spinoff of more ball in play is elevated fatigue for the players, and it showed. It is worrying, but the men from Christchurch are hugely impressive, and they will be back to their best. However, it was not to be, and a quick look at the match statistics highlights exactly where it went wrong. Scrummaging is a slight concern, but the work done to make up for it by this mobile pack was outstanding. However, in the second half, the flair-filled star began to pull the strings integrating some of the other exciting stars in the backline, such as Shaun Stevenson, who had an outstanding game, and Alex Nankivell looks to be building on a good 2022 season. Richie Mo’unga and Damian McKenzie were rusty off the tee, and there was a lot of back-and-forth kicking in the first 40.

Super Rugby Pacific welcomed the 2023 season with the reigning champions hosting their fierce rivals from Waikato, the Chiefs.

Richie Mo’unga handled the majority of the Chiefs’ tactical kicking game at the back. [David Havili](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/david-kaetau-havili/) (vc) – 8 While his strength is in the physical game, the pace of the other outside backs had Fainga’anuku a step behind in some scramble play. Initiated some varied attack throughout the first half. [Mitchell Drummond](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mitchell-drummond/) – 6 Regardless, Blackadder’s chances at claiming the All Blacks No 6 jersey are off to a fine start in 2023. Doesn’t quite possess the same accuracy as his brothers when it comes to the grubber but two efforts in the first half came off well. [Scott Barrett](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/scott-barrett/) (c) – 9 Both had early jitters with the lineout but Taylor looked to make up for it with opportunistic snipes around the ruck. [Codie Taylor](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/codie-taylor/) (vc) – 7 Showed good enthusiasm in the contact whether it was in the tackle or at the breakdown. The second 40 was a different story though, the Chiefs started taking their opportunities with ball in hand and scored 24 unanswered points.

The Chiefs have started their Super Rugby Pacific campaign with a stunning 31-10 upset win over defending champions the Crusaders at Orangetheory Stadium.

Cane hit a hole in the Crusaders defence, and put the visitors in the lead for the first time in the contest. Cortez Ratima scored a try late in the contest, and it’s a moment that will be replayed for years to come for Chiefs fans. [Anton Lienert-Brown](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/anton-lienert-brown/) went off injured, the Chiefs needed a hero. Pita Gus Sowakula was one of the Chiefs’ best players during the first 40 minutes. In a team full of superstars, Tupou Vaa’i might have flown under the radar in the eyes of some fans. The Chiefs were up against it early on, as the hosts raced out to a 10-nil lead. A great start to the year for the world-class talent. Early in the second-half, the Chiefs had the ball inside the Crusaders’ 22. Probably his best moment came early in the second-half, where he threw a clever ball to try scorer Sam Cane. But let’s not brush over his try in the 59th minute, which was a defining moment in the clash. The All Black had made nine tackles by the time he went off, and ran the ball six times. Not only did carry with the ball with purpose every time he got his hands on it, but defensively he was sound.

More than 25000 fans are expected at Allianz Stadium as the Waratahs return to Moore Park for the first time in four years to kick off a season brimming ...

Conal McInerney went off early for a head injury assessment and will not return. Max Jorgensen scores for the Waratahs, shaking off three Brumbies defenders to score his first try in his first 15 minutes of professional footy. Special mention to the fullbacks, Jack Debreczini and Ben Donaldson, who showed off their tactical kicking to give their sides excellent attacking opportunities. His father, Peter, of Wallabies and rugby league fame, is in the stands to watch it. Here’s that Jorgensen try to play on loop. Brumbies winger Andy Muirhead scores one of the, err, most spontaneous tries we’ll see this season. Looked shattered, appeared to be getting his foot looked at iwth medical staff prior to leaving the field. Whitaker also says his side is making the mistake of trying to play footy before getting enough go-forward. “I think he’s re-injured his foot again. But the try is not given. The teenager takes a bullet from inside centre Lalakai Foketi and does what he’s there to do, scoring his second try in 50 minutes of Super Rugby. Rob Valetini try disallowed because replays show Corey Toole’s heel scraping the touchline.

The Brumbies have claimed early season bragging rights against fierce Australian rivals the NSW Waratahs, having beaten them 25-31 at Sydney's Allianz ...

[Darcy Swain](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/darcy-swain/)– 6.5 – Very similar to [Rhys Van Nek](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/rhys-van-nek/), Swain came off the bench and didn’t miss a tackle from seven attempts. [Rhys Van Nek](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/rhys-van-nek/)– 6.5 – Making his debut in Brumbies colours, the prop came off the bench and made seven tackles without missing any. Behind Alaalatoa, Neville made the equal second-most tackles of any Brumbies player (10). The backrower ran for 36 metres and also made seven tackles. Flanker Rory Scott was more than impressive for the Brumbies against the Tahs, having made 10 tackles on the night. Frost had the most carries of any player on the night (13) and also finished with a 90 per cent tackle accuracy. The Brumbies started the contest on the back foot at the set-piece, and to an extent that has to reflect in Schoupp’s rating. Overall, the halfback scored 16 points and had a try assist. The halfback scored the Brumbies’ first try of the year after running in support of Tom Wright about seven minutes into the contest. The flyhalf, who has also played for the Rebels and Chiefs, set the tone early with a brilliant 50/22 kick. Now, that’s not just down to his performance on Friday – but it certainly hasn’t dented his chances. Early on, the utility back registered his first try assist of the season – setting up halfback Ryan Lonergan following a brilliant run into the Tahs’ 22.

The Brumbies have gatecrashed the NSW Waratahs' homecoming to Allianz Stadium in Sydney, edging their Super Rugby Pacific rivals in a 31-25 win.

* Edmed was able to cut the deficit with a penalty goal in the dying stages to secure his side a losing bonus point. The halfback added two penalties after the Brumbies had a try chalked off for a foot in touch, with Jorgensen squeezing in at the corner to give the Waratahs hope of sealing a comeback.

Brumbies halfback Ryan Lonergan pulled the Waratahs' pants down at Allianz Stadium on Friday night with a play few were expecting — including the man who ...

Rob Valetini went over in the 43rd minute after strong, direct running and footwork by left wing Corey Toole. Yet he managed to take the tumbling punt and run over to score. The teams traded penalty goals after 22 minutes, the second a scrum penalty against NSW that Brumbies loosehead prop Blake Schoupp revelled in.

Super Rugby Pacific LIVE: 'The world of rugby is talking about him' - hype builds for Jorgensen debut in Wa...

The ACT side notched its 10th straight win over NSW, as a teenage son of a gun announced himself as a new star.

We always knew he was going to handle it and a few things went his way today and he got over the line. “You’re always going to make mistakes at the start of the season - our set piece wasn’t great.” Noah Lolesio, who converted Toole’s try, was able to add a further three points when Michael Hooper was penalised for not releasing at the breakdown. Lonergan and Edmed traded penalties before the hosts’ fate took a twist just before halftime when they switched off at a Brumbies penalty. Edmed added the conversion, but Bell’s night was cruelled not long after due to a foot injury. In their first game at the venue in five years, the Waratahs were caught napping at key moments and Stephen Larkham’s Brumbies will head back down the highway with a hard-earned victory.

Waratahs teenage winger Max Jorgensen enjoyed a rapid start to his Super Rugby Pacific career, scoring twice on debut against the Brumbies.

However, Jorgensen hit back to put his side back in contention in the 50th minute. Max’s father, Peter Jorgensen, was a dual Australian international playing two Test matches for the Wallabies in 1992. However, the Brumbies led at halftime, with Lonergan adding a penalty of his own and Andy Muirhead a try. The loosehead prop was chopped down but offloaded from the deck to Jorgensen. Hooker Dave Porecki’s dart did not reach Taleni Seu but Tane Edmed was quick to pounce on the loose ball and offload to Angus Bell. Max Jorgensen enjoyed a rapid start to his Super Rugby Pacific career, scoring twice on debut against the Brumbies on Friday.

The Poua had a 14-0 lead within the first seven minutes of the match with tries to hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate and winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga making their ...

Also on debut with a new franchise was lock Chelsea Bremner who moved north from Matatu to the Manawa this season and crossed for her first try in new colours just after halftime. Black Fern Krystal Murray, on her debut for the Poua after moving south from the Blues, was sin binned just before halftime and the Manawa made the most of their advantage to take a 22-21 lead at the break. The Poua had a 14-0 lead within the first seven minutes of the match with tries to hooker Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate and winger Ayesha Leti-I'iga making their intention for this second season of the competition known.

Chiefs Manawa 53. Hurricanes Poua 21. Chiefs Manawa might have come into the Super Rugby Aupiki season with a new look, but it appears they have been ...

It was more of the same in the second half. They were rewarded in bunches, with prop Tanya Kalounivale and loose forward Kennedy Simon also finding their way onto the score sheet – with Connor’s second giving the side a slim lead at half time. Black Ferns World Cup hero Joanah Ngan-Woo quickly made her mark on the Super Rugby Aupiki season.

The opening night of the 2023 Super Rugby Pacific season did not disappoint, as both matches set the tone for what promises to be a scintillating year ahead ...

22 jersey – and is expected to make his Super Rugby debut off the bench. [Folau Fakatava](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/folau-fakatava/) is set to start alongside flyhalf [Mitch Hunt](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/mitch-hunt/) in the halves. [Ruben Love](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ruben-love/) and Brett Cameron. [Freddie Burns](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/freddie-burns/) has been named in the No. [Crusaders coach ](https://www.rugbypass.com/news/who-scott-robertson-thinks-is-desperate-to-dethrone-crusaders/) [Scott Robertson](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/scott-robertson/) told Weekend Sport with Jason Pine last week. [Ryan Lonergan](https://www.rugbypass.com/players/ryan-lonergan/) 16 of those for the visitors – the Tahs can take plenty out of the opening round loss.

Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant had a chance to secure a draw with the last kick of the game, but sent her effort wide of the posts.

The champion Chiefss fell behind early, but overwhelmed their Hurricanes rivals with a big forward effort.

Matatu win their first Super Rugby Aupiki game to launch their second season with a statement.

With Bremner picking up a yellow card for slowing the ball down, the Blues found the space for Kolose to score her second try. Winger Jaymie Kolose, who only switched from touch rugby to playing 15s rugby last year, scored the Blues second try to close the gap to 26-14 to Matatu at halftime. The Blues got on the scoreboard through hooker Grace Gago who scored a try in her first Super Rugby Aupiki game but Matatu's halfback Di Hiini cancelled out Gago's effort with a try of her own a minute later.