Managing Editor: OLIVER LEE
Editor: PETER WHITE
Photography: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY OFFICIAL PHOTOGRAPHY
LIBRARY SOURCE: SMARTFRAME
Pagination: MERVYN HURLEY
Printing: WEBSTAR AUCKLAND
Publisher:
Phone: +64 274 599 503
Email: oliver@oliverlee.co.nz
ISSN 2463-5499 (Print) ISSN 2463-5502 (Online)
04 2025 SEASON PREVIEW
The Blues men’s and women’s teams are the defending champions of their respective Super Rugby Pacific and Super Rugby Aupiki competitions.
06 BLUES FAVOURED
The Blues are confident of retaining their title with a powerful squad of players and new-found confidence.
08 CHIEFS CHASING THE TITLE
The Chiefs want a change of fortune after two disappointing final’s losses in consecutive years.
11 CRUSADERS NEED ANSWERS
The Crusaders missed the play-offs for the first time since 2015. Can they regain their winning ways?
13 HURRICANES CONFIDENT
Website: oliverlee.co.nz NOTE: The TAB odds quoted throughout the magazine were
Hopes are high in the capital of going one stage further than last year’s semi-final placing.
14 HIGHLANDERS REBUILDING
Jamie Joseph takes up the head coach role to lead a talented squad of players
16 SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC GAME SCHEDULE
There is an increase to 16 rounds of round-robin matches with the top six teams fighting it out to make the grand final.
18 MOANA PASIFIKA HOPEFUL
Moana Pasifika are inspired by the signing of All Blacks star Ardie Savea.
20 WESTERN FORCE AND WARATAHS
Waratahs finished last in 2024 to continue a wretched run in recent seasons but there is growing confidence among the Western Force faithful of good times ahead.
22 BRUMBIES, FIJIAN DRUA AND REDS
The Brumbies and Reds continue to lead the Australian teams with play-off hopes in 2025, while the Drua welcome new head coach Glen Jackson.
25 BLUES WOMEN
Expectations are growing that the Blues have the players to repeat last year’s success.
26 HURRICANES POUA
There is plenty of optimism around the Poua’s chances of winning a first title.
28 CHIEFS MANAWA
Two heartbreaking losses in consecutive finals have made the Manawa determined to win in 2025.
29 MATATU -
The pride of the south would love to repeat their Aupiki title win of 2023.
30 SUPER RUGBY AUPIKI MATCH SCHEDULE
COPYRIGHT: Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited. DISCLAIMER: The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher. Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.
By Peter White
The Blues begin the 2025 season as defending champions in both the men’s Super Rugby Pacific and the women’s Super Rugby Aupiki competitions. Is this the start of a new rugby frontier?
It used to be said that when Auckland rugby was strong, New Zealand rugby was strong.
The landscape has changed dramatically since that pre-professional rugby claim was made but rugby success in the nation’s largest city has got to be good for the game.
There is renewed interest in how well the Blues’ men’s and women’s teams will do in defending their respective titles in 2025.
The Blues men start the new Super Rugby Pacific campaign as favourites with the TAB ($2.75). There is a renewed sense of collective confidence instilled in the squad by head coach Vern Cotter. The back-to-basics style he favoured, with a powerhouse forward pack given license to dominate matches before unleashing the attacking might of the outside backs, worked a treat.
Cotter’s men scored more tries in the competition than any other team. Even the dynamic Hurricanes, who topped the points table after the round-robin stage, could not match that. The Blues also conceded the least number of tries so the answer to title success seems simple – score more tries and concede less than your opponents.
But we all know there is so much more involved in winning titles than mere statistics.
The Chiefs hope the rugby gods start to smile on them. Both the men’s and women’s teams have made the last two finals – and lost the lot. It has been hard for the players mentally to deal with but certainly there is no shortage of motivation for everyone involved at the Chiefs club in 2025.
Interestingly, the Chiefs are taking their round 11 match in April against the Western Force to Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui. The spectacular cricket arena has never hosted a Super Rugby match before and will be a wonderful venue for the match. The versatility of the Bay Oval could offer opportunities in the future at NPC level..
The Hurricanes should enjoy the summer conditions. They have a good blend of explosive athletes, particularly in the loose forwards and outside backs, so expect more of the champagne rugby they produced last year. The Crusaders are hoping for anything but a repeat of 2024 when they missed the play-offs for the first time since 2015.
The demise of the Melbourne Rebels has meant a restructure of Super Rugby Pacific’s competition. Many pundits have been asking for one less Australian team to improve the overall standards – now they have it. The top Rebels’ players have definitely strengthened the other four Australian clubs.
An extended 16-week, round-robin format, will stretch the playing resources of the 11 teams involved, with the season kicking-off a week earlier than usual on February 14 to accommodate the extra round.
All teams play 14 regular season games, seven home and seven away, and have two bye weeks off. The teams will play four others twice and the other six teams once. For some of the mid-table teams, playing the highest ranked teams just once may well improve their chances of finals rugby.
The previous system of eight teams out of 12 making the play-off stages has been replaced with a much more competitive format. Now, only the top six will battle it out for the title over three weeks of finals rugby, ending with a grand final. This is designed to
dramatically improve the standard of rugby throughout the finals series and should get positive support from the rugby public.
Super Rugby Aupiki kicks-off on March 1. It has been enhanced from the previous three versions, with longer pre-season time for teams to get to know each other and the coaches’ game plans, plus improved player payments. This is a great improvement but the short six-round season needs to be extended. A combined competition involving the Australian Super Women’s teams is the next obvious move to grow the women’s game, create greater depth in numbers and consequently enhance the Black Ferns. That hybrid competition is a step closer with the first-ever women’s Super Rugby Champions final to be played between the Super Rugby Aupiki and Super Women’s champions. The final will be hosted in New Zealand on Thursday April 17, following the Aupiki final on Saturday April 12.
Defending champions, the Blues Women, have another strong squad under the astute coaching of Willie Walker. The return from Japan of superstar wing Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is a massive boost, not just for the Blues but the whole competition.
But the Chiefs Manawa, Hurricanes Poua and Matatu - all have competitive rosters, including top class Black Ferns and the next crop of younger players looking to step up, so it should be another competitive competition.
landrover.co.nz
Coach: Vern Cotter
Captain: Patrick Tuipolotu
Home ground: Eden Park, Auckland
Website: www.blues.rugby
Tickets: www.blues.flicket.co.nz
Contact: PO Box 77012,
Mt Albert, Auckland 1350. Phone 09 846 5425
Email: info@blues.rugby
Team TAB odds: $2.75
by Peter White
Last year’s worthy winners are confident of making it two Super Rugby Pacific titles on the trot. But can they do it?
LAST YEAR:
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: FIRST
The Blues finally laid to rest the chokers’ tag that had hung over them in recent years after they misfired in multiple finals. That clinical ability to win the big moments in games, and stick diligently to a game plan that was a Crusaders’ hallmark, is now part of the DNA of Vern Cotter’s Blues.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
A mouth-watering opening game against the Chiefs in a rematch of last year’s final is set to kick off the 2025 campaign at Eden Park. Away games to take on the Highlanders and Hurricanes follow before the Blues are home to the Brumbies and an early double away to the Chiefs.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
Vern Cotter’s first season in charge of the Blues brought immediate and dramatic success. The past flakiness on defence and inability to match the likes of the Crusaders and Chiefs for a full 80 minutes had been a blight on previous Blues teams. Not on Cotter’s watch. He toughened up the
forward pack and instigated a renewed focus on set-piece strength, tough defence and a strict forward-dominated game plan.
The road to the 2024 title was similar to what Dave Rennie achieved at the Chiefs when he took an under-performing side under Ian Foster and immediately won back-to-back titles.
The Blues will quite rightly start this new campaign as title favourites and could be at the start of a winning dynasty. Who knows that yet, but the Crusaders relished being the defending champions every year under Scott Robertson. That mentality has now shifted north to Eden Park.
Cotter’s coaching career is littered with his ability to take underperforming teams and dramatically improve their fortunes. Bay of Plenty, Clermont Auvergne (France), the Scotland national side and now the Blues. He also had two years as an assistant coach at the Crusaders.
In 2025, he has the multi-skilled Beauden Barrett back at either first-five or fullback, depending on
where Stephen Perofeta is used. Barrett should thrive in the summer conditions to start the campaign, well served by outstanding halfback Finlay Christie. Barrett is likely to have the dependable Harry Plummer outside him at second-five in a dynamic backline, with lethal finishers Caleb Clarke and Mark Tele’a proven match winners.
Up front, loose forwards Hoskins Sotutu and Dalton Papalii will benefit from the tight five that dominated last year. Expect more of the same this time around.
Cotter has most of his squad returning in 2025. All Blacks Sevens players Ben Ake and Payton Spencer are two new players hoping to get game time.
“I think we’ll start ahead of where we were last season. We can take the results and experience gained last time round and build on it this year,” says Cotter.
“I’m looking forward to getting in with everyone, reconnecting and getting back to work. It will be good to get to know the new squad members and see what they’re all about.
“I want enthusiasm and for them to put their hand up. I enjoyed watching NPC (last) season and seeing the younger guys stepping up. Now it’s their time to come into the Blues and start pushing for spots.”
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Ben Ake (Auckland), Cameron Christie (North Harbour), Che Clark (Auckland), James Mullan (Canterbury). Backs: Beauden Barrett (Toyota Verblitz), Reon Paul (Bay of Plenty), Payton Spencer (Auckland), Xavier Taele (Auckland).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Akira Ioane (Ricoh Black Rams), Rob Rush, James Thompson, Soane Vikena (Highlanders). Backs: Kade Banks (Hurricanes), Lucas Cashmore (Hurricanes), Bryce Heem, Caleb Tangitau (Highlanders).
FORWARDS:
Angus Ta’avao, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Marcel Renata, Jordan Lay, Joshua Fusitu’a, PJ Sheck, Kurt Eklund, Ricky Riccitelli, James Mullan, Laghlan McWhannell, Patrick Tuipulotu, Sam Darry, Josh Beehre, Cameron Suafoa, Adrian Choat, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Hoskins Sotutu, Ben Ake, Che Clark, Cameron Christie.
BACKS:
Finlay Christie, Sam Nock, Taufa Funaki, Stephen Perofeta, Harry Plummer, Beauden Barrett, Rieko Ioane, Xavi Taele, Corey Evans, Zarn Sullivan, Mark Tele’a, Caleb Clarke, AJ Lam, Cole Forbes, Reon Paul, Meihana Grindlay, Payton Spencer.
Two consecutive finals’ losses have left the Chiefs frustrated they have not added to their Super Rugby titles. Motivation is high to change that record.
LAST YEAR:
Coach: Clayton McMillan
Captain: Luke Jacobson
Home grounds:
FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton; Bay Oval, Mt Maunganui
Website: www.chiefs.co.nz
Tickets: www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets
Contact: PO Box 4292, Hamilton East 3247. Phone 0800 424 4337
Email: info@chiefs.co.nz
Team TAB odds: $3.25
Stevenson.
FORWARDS:
Aidan Ross, Ollie Norris, George Dyer, Reuben O’Neill, Samisoni Taukei’aho, Brodie McAlister, Bradley Slater, Tupou Vaa’i, Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Lord, Jimmy Tupou, Naitoa Ah Kuoi, Jahrome Brown, Kaylum Boshier, Samipeni Finau, Simon Parker, Wallace Sititi, Luke Jacobson, Sione Ahio, Jared Proffit, Fiti Sa.
BACKS:
Xavier Roe, Cortez Ratima, Damian McKenzie, Daniel Rona, Kaleb Trask, Anton Lienert-Brown, Quinn Tupaea, Rameka Poihipi, Gideon Wrampling, Leroy Carter, Liam Coombes-Fabling, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo, Shaun Stevenson, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, Malachi Wrampling, Josh Jacomb
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SECOND
The Chiefs had to travel to Wellington to play the fired-up Hurricanes in one semi-final. In a stunning display, the Chiefs won a bruising clash 30–19 but were physically and mentally drained when they headed to Eden Park to play the Blues a week later. The final unravelled quickly for the Chiefs, who were outmuscled and outclassed 41–10 by a rampant Blues side.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
The Chiefs have a chance for revenge when in round one they travel back to Eden Park to play the Blues. A week later the Chiefs welcome the Crusaders to FMG Stadium in Hamilton. Away games in Fiji and Tonga should be highlights.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
Making the last two Super Rugby Pacific finals is a notable achievement for the Chiefs but the nature of that thumping inflicted by the Blues in last year’s final will have hurt.
Pride in the jersey, and a special culture renowned even amongst other clubs, means coach Clayton McMillan and the senior players will not accept a three peat of losses. The Chiefs have been granted an immediate opportunity to gain revenge on the Blues for that final pummelling with the two protagonists drawn against each other at Eden Park in round one.
“The obvious thing is that there is a lot of consistency in the selection of the group,” says McMillan.
“I’m a big believer in cohesion. So having guys that have played together for a while and experienced the highs and lows together. I really love the team that we’ve got.
“I think it’s got great balance, great depth, and our collective experiences will put us in good stead to give the competition a real shake. That’s what we’ll be aiming to do.”
The Shaun Stevenson saga that played out leading into the campaign was not helpful. The one-test All Black received a lucrative offer from Japanese Top League club Kubota Spears. The problem was Stevenson needed an early release from his NZR contract. A compromise, of sorts, was reached with Stevenson allowed to play a small number of games for Kubota. He will be back in time for round 4 of Super Rugby Pacific.
The Chiefs dynamic backline is key and includes high-class attacking players in Damian McKenzie, Daniel Rona, Emoni Narawa, Etene Nanai-Seturo and Liam Coombes-Fabling. All Blacks Sevens star Leroy Carter is a new addition who can cover wing and halfback.
Much will depend on the mercurial skills of first-five/fullback McKenzie, midfielders Anton Lienert-Brown and Quinn Tupaea, halfback Cortez Ratima and flanker Samipeni Finau. No 8 Wallace Sititi, who became an All Blacks star last year, may miss a significant part of the campaign after knee surgery.
Key members of a tough-looking forward pack are locks Manaaki Selby-Rickit, Josh Lord and Naitoa Ah Kuoi, plus hard-hitting flanker Luke Jacobson.
The Chiefs have kept their squad mostly intact with the addition of All Blacks XV hooker Brodie McAlister from the Crusaders. He replaces NRL-bound hooker Tyrone Thompson, with All Black Samisoni Taukei’aho recovering from a long-term Achilles injury. Highly-regarded openside flanker Jahrome Brown returns home after six years with the Brumbies.
Josh Jacomb has risen quickly in the list of potential All Blacks first-five prospects and should get plenty of game time.
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Jahrome Brown (Brumbies), Brodie McAlister (Crusaders), Fiti Sa (Taranaki).
Backs: Leroy Carter (Bay of Plenty), Malachi Wrampling-Alec (Waikato).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Tom Florence, Kauvaka Kaivelata, Tyrone Thompson (NRL). Backs: Josh Ioane (Connacht), Peniasi Malimali.
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No one said it would be easy to replace coach Scott Robertson but for the Crusaders to fall so far below the standards set by his teams was totally unexpected.
LAST YEAR:
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: NINTH
The Crusaders are the TAB’s perennial favourites to win the title but this year they are fourth pick, well below the Blues and Chiefs. It is a fair reflection on the awful showing by the Crusaders last campaign in finishing outside the top eight playoffs with just four wins from 14 games.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
There will be no easy transition back to winning ways for the Crusaders. They start at home against the star-studded Hurricanes before a trip to Hamilton where the Chiefs will be waiting. An early bye in round three may not be helpful.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
When the Crusaders hopefully shift to their new covered stadium in the Christchurch CBD next year, few tears will be shed for the antiquated old Apollo Projects Stadium. But the winning record the Crusaders held so dear at the old fortress will certainly be missed.
Last year, the transition after losing Robertson, and stars Richie Mo’unga and Sam Whitelock, went about as badly as possible. New coach Rob Penney inherited a weaker squad that struggled to gel together and his issues with the media at times did nothing to help the situation. But 12 months is a long time in sport so the Crusaders will approach this new season full of hope for better returns.
The squad is strong in most positions except once again at first-five. The play maker role that Mo’unga excelled at was not filled with any quality last year and looks a problem again.
Into the void steps 34-year-old former Wallaby utility back James O’Connor to improve the decision-making and general kicking standards. It will be interesting to see whether he can still produce the magic moments he could 10 years ago.
The forward pack is chock-full of quality All Blacks in hookers Codie Taylor and George Bell, lock Scott Barrett, powerhouse loose forward Ethan Blackadder, and props Fletcher Newall and Tamaiti Williams. Outside them, halfback Noah Hotham should continue the rapid progress that saw him wear the All Blacks jersey in 2024, while new captain David Havili, Sevu Reece and Will Jordan are renowned match winners. New recruit from Wellington, Kyle Preston, adds plenty of spark to the halfback stocks.
One player set to shine is barnstorming loose forward Christian Lio-Willie. He scored five tries last year despite missing a chunk of the season with an ankle injury. The All Blacks XV rep has the dynamic style of play to ignite his team and if he remains injury free, he should play a key role in lifting the Crusaders up the table.
Penney is talking up his team’s prospects ahead of this new campaign, despite the dark times he and his team endured in 2024.
“We’ve got a great group and all the coaches are looking forward to getting our hands on them and preparing together at (training ground) Rugby Park,” he said.
“There is fantastic depth there and a great mix of experience and youthful energy coming through. We’re excited to see what this group can do and build off our 2024 season.”
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Xavier Saifoloi (Waikato).
Backs: Kyle Preston (Wellington), James O’Connor (Queensland Reds), Aki Tuivailala (Waikato).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Gus Brown, Owen Franks (Japan, Coach), Zach Gallagher (Hurricanes), Brodie McAlister (Chiefs), Quentin Macdonald, Joe Moody, Jayden Sa.
Backs: Toby Arnold, Fergus Burke (Saracens), Ryan Crotty, Leigh Halfpenny (Harlequins), Manasa Mataele, Blair Murray (Scarlets), Heremaia Murray (Reds), Willi Heinz, Riley Hohepa (Hurricanes), Jone Rova, Taine Robinson (Highlanders).
Coach: Rob Penney
Captain: David Havili
Home ground:
Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch
Website: www.crusaders.co.nz
Tickets: crusaders.co.nz/ tickets/game-tickets
Contact: PO Box 755,Christchurch. Phone 03 379 8300
Email: hello@crusaders.co.nz
Team TAB odds: $7.00
CRUSADERS SQUAD
FORWARDS: Fletcher Newell, George Bower, Tamaiti Williams, Finlay Brewis, Seb Calder, Codie Taylor, Ioane Moananu, George Bell, Quinten Strange, Scott Barrett, Jamie Hannah, Dom Gardiner, Tahlor Cahill, Tom Christie, Cullen Grace, Cory Kellow, Ethan Blackadder, Christian Lio-Willie, Kershawl Sykes-Martin, Antonio Shalfoon, Fletcher Anderson, Xavier Saifoloi.
BACKS:
The Hurricanes are without three legends of the club, and need a new first-five, but the winds of positivity are still whistling through the capital.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SEMI-FINALIST
To finish top of the table after 14 rounds of intense rugby, only to lose a home semi-final against the Chiefs, has left so many unanswered questions. Would the Hurricanes have pushed the Blues close in the final? Probably, but we will never know. Coach Clark Laidlaw used his sevens background to play a fast, possession-based game plan, backed by a powerful loose forward trio that tackled anything that moved. It was a seriously good campaign.
The Hurricanes will have a lively start to the campaign. First up, they face the Crusaders in Christchurch then welcome Fijian Drua to McLean Park in Napier, before a highly anticipated clash in Wellington against defending champions the Blues.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
The Hurricanes start the campaign without their top ranked first-five in Brett Cameron, out with an ACL injury, and Aidan Morgan, playing for Irish club Munster.
All Black Ruben Love will miss a chunk of the season recovering from ankle surgery. Love was likely to be the first-five/fullback cover so that leaves former Chiefs and Crusaders pivot Riley Hohepa and Bay of Plenty star Lucas Cashmore. The battle for the 10 jersey will be intense between them. They both have different skill sets,
with the elusive running and superior goalkicking of Cashmore giving him the inside running.
Whoever gets the nod will need to quickly find his best form, outside outstanding All Blacks halfback Cam Roigard, to ignite the multi-talented midfielders and outside backs.
The Hurricanes have lost the services of Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), TJ Perenara (Japan) and Jordie Barrett (Leinster), big holes to fill by any standards but the talent pool available is unquestionably strong. Coach Laidlaw is oozing positivity about the quality of new players the Hurricanes have recruited since that disappointing home semi-final loss to the Chiefs.
“We’ve been really intentional in seeking out players that tie into our team model and how we want to play the game. These are men that have a great deal of maturity on and off the field. They’re coming into our environment and they’re ready to play Super Rugby,” he says.
“We’ve seen a bit of player movement but we’re realistic about what it means to have an open market. I’m confident with the depth that we’ve got in our squad. We’re in a good spot with guys like Peter Lakai, Ruben Love and Harry Godfrey locked in for the next two or three years. They’re going from strength to strength, and that consistency will help us continue to build our depth over the next few seasons.”
NZ Under-20 star Godfrey will thrive in the summer conditions at fullback, midfielder Riley Higgins is a powerful ball runner and right in the All Blacks mix, while the Hurricanes can rightly claim to have the strongest group of loose forwards in the competition in Devon Flanders, Brayden Iose, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Lakai, Brad Shields and Arese Poliko, who is highly regarded and had an outstanding NPC campaign with the Taranaki Bulls. Two South Island locks in Will Tucker (Highlanders) and Zach Gallagher (Crusaders) add depth alongside New Zealand under-20 rep Tom Allen.
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Zach Gallagher (Crusaders), Will Tucker (Highlanders). Backs: Kade Banks (North Harbour), Lucas Cashmore (Blues), Tjay Clarke (Wellington), Ere Enari (Hurricanes), Fehi Fineanganofo (Bay of Plenty), Arese Poliko (Taranaki).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Ben Grant (Waratahs), TK Howden (Highlanders), James O’Reilly, Justin Sangster, Ardie Savea (Moana Pasifika), James Tucker.
Backs: Jordie Barrett (Leinster), Richard Judd, Josh Moorby (Montpellier), Aidan Morgan (Ulster), TJ Perenara (Black Rams Tokyo), Salesi Rayasi (RC Vannes, France).
Coach: Clark Laidlaw
Captain: Brad Shields
Home grounds:
Sky Stadium Wellington; McLean Park, Napier
Website: www.hurricanes.co.nz
Tickets: hurricanes.flicket.co.nz
Contact: PO Box 7201
Wellington South Phone: 04 389 0020
Email: mail@hurricanes.co.nz
Team TAB odds: $6.50
FORWARDS:
Tevita Mafileo, Raymond Tuputupu, Xavier Numia, Tyrel Lomax, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Pasilio Tosi, Siale Lauaki, Josh Taula, Tom Allen, Jacob Devery, Asafo Aumua, Zach Gallagher, Isaia Walker-Leawere, Will Tucker, Caleb Delany, Arese Poliko, Du’Plessis Kirifi, Brayden Iose, Brad Shields, Peter Lakai, Devan Flanders.
BACKS:
Cam Roigard, Ereatara Enari, Riley Hohepa, Harry Godfrey, Riley Higgins, Billy Proctor, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Bailyn Sullivan, Ngatungane Punivai, Kade Banks, Fehi Fineanganofo, Kini Naholo, Ruben Love, Lucas Cashmore, Jordi Viljoen, Tjay Clark, Brett Cameron.
The return of club legend Jamie Joseph as head coach will definitely inspire his players but the Highlanders’ lack of star power is holding the club back.
LAST YEAR:
Coach: Jamie Joseph
Captains:
Timoci Tavatavanawai, Hugh Renton
Home ground:
Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin
Website: www.thehighlanders.co.nz
Tickets: www.thehighlanders.co.nz/tickets
Contact: PO Box 6070, Dunedin 9059
Phone: 03 479 9280
Email: contactus@highlanders.net.nz
Team TAB odds: $31.00
Folau Fakatava.
HIGHLANDERS
FORWARDS:
Ethan de Groot, Daniel LienertBrown, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Rohan Wingham, Sosefo Kautai, Henry Bell, Jack Taylor, Soane Vikena, Fabian Holland, Mitch Dunshea, Oliver Haig, Lui Naeta, Will Stodart, Te Kamaka Howden, Sean Withy, Hayden Michaels, Veveni Lasaqa, Hugh Renton, Nikora Broughton.
BACKS:
Folau Fakatava, Nathan Hastie, James Arscott, Cameron Millar, Ajay Faleafaga, Taine Robinson, Jake Te Hiwi, Thomas UmagaJensen, Tanielu Tele’a, Josh Whaanga, Sam Gilbert, Michael Manson, Caleb Tangitau, Jonah Lowe, Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jona Nareki, Jacob RatumaitavukiKneepkens, Finn Hurley.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: SIXTH
The Highlanders improved three places on the 2023 season to finish sixth and make the play-offs. They played some wonderfully attractive rugby at times. Narrow losses to the Blues and Brumbies showed just how competitive they were at their best.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
The Highlanders could get off to a good start with potentially two wins in their opening three games. They start with the poor-performing Waratahs in Sydney, the Blues at home and Moana Pasifika in Auckland, before a bye. Two home games at Forsyth Barr follow against the Hurricanes and Reds.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
The move by club legend Joseph from the head of rugby position he filled last year to head coach is a massive boost to the southerners. Joseph coached the Highlanders to the Super Rugby title in 2015 and has since coached Japan from 2016 to 2023. He does not have the strongest squad to work with but having just one current All Black in Ethan de Groot has meant nearly all his squad trained together pre-season, which could be a huge advantage in the early rounds.
“It’s great to be back leading the Highlanders. Dunedin and the wider southern region have always been a place that has provided opportunities for players to grow and develop,” says Joseph.
“It’s a community that loves rugby, respects the game and values hard work. My job is to ensure that we create an environment where players can blossom, not just as athletes, but as individuals who carry the game’s core values with them.
“We’ve got a very talented squad this year and I’m excited to see what we can achieve together.”
The core strength of the squad is in a group of outstanding experienced players in halfback Folau Fakatava, wing Jona Nareki, utility back Sam Gilbert, prop de Groot, prop Daniel Lienert-Brown and loose forward Hugh Renton, who have all played five or more seasons for the Highlanders. Lienert-Brown will start his 10th season for the club.
New faces joining the Highlanders include a group with previous Super Rugby experience. Tighthead prop Sosefo Kautai (NZ Under-20s, Chiefs, Brumbies), loosehead prop Josh Bartlett (NZ Under 20s, Chiefs, Western Force) and hooker Soane Vikena (NZ Under 20s, Blues) create real depth in the front row stocks.
Flanker TK Howden (NZ Under 20s, Ma - ori All Blacks and Hurricanes) will add strong ball-carrying and tough defence to the loose forward mix. Other new players in this year’s squad who will be looking
for game time are speedy wing Caleb Tangitau (All Blacks Sevens and Blues), first-five/fullback Taine Robinson (Tasman and Crusaders), loose forward Veveni Lasaqa (Bay of Plenty and Hurricanes) and loose forward Lui Naeta, who has played most of his first class rugby in Japan. Timoci Tavatavanawai, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Nikora Broughton, Sean Withy, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Michael Manson and Cam Millar are other top class players for Joseph to work with.
Inspirational captain Billy Harmon has moved to Japan and will be sorely missed. His work rate was exceptional and he frequently topped the match tackle count.
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Josh Bartlett (Western Force), TK Howden (Hurricanes), Sosefo Kautai (Brumbies), Veveni Lasaqa (Hurricanes), Lui Naeta (Otago), Will Stodart (Otago), Soane Vikena (Auckland), Rohan Wingham (Otago). Backs: Finn Hurley (Otago), Michael Manson (Southland), Taine Robinson (Crusaders), Caleb Tangitau (Auckland), Josh Whaanga (Otago).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Jermaine Ainsley (Lyon), Ayden Johnstone, Ricky Jackson, Will Tucker (Hurricanes), Pari Pari Parkinson, Max Hicks (Perpignan), Billy Harmon (Canon Eagles), Tom Sanders. Backs: Rhys Patchell, Josh Timu, Martin Bogado (Oyonnax).
WORK SMARTER
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For up-to-date information on Super Rugby Pacific
Note:
The presence of one of the world’s best players can undoubtedly lift Moana Pasifika to new heights. But Ardie Savea cannot do it on his own.
LAST YEAR:
Coach: Tana Umaga
Captain: Ardie Savea
Home grounds:
North Harbour Stadium, Albany; Teufaiva Sports Stadium, Nuku’alofa
Website: www.moanapasifika.co.nz
Tickets: moanapasifika.flicket.co.nz
Contact:
North Harbour Stadium, Stadium Drive, Albany, Auckland 0632
Email: info@moanapasifika.co.nz
Team TAB odds: $101.00
MOANA PASIFIKA SQUAD
FORWARDS:
Abraham Pole, Alamanda Motuga, Allan Craig, Ardie Savea, Chris Apoua, Irie Papuni, James Lay, Lotu Inisi, Michael Curry, Miracle Faiilagi, Ofa Tauatevalu, Ola Tauelangi, Pone Fa’amausili, Samiuela Moli, Samuel Slade, Sama Malolo, Semisi Paea, Sione Havili Talitui, Sione Mafileo, Tomasi Maka, Tito Tuipulotu, Tom Savage.
BACKS:
Aisea Halo, Danny Toala, Fine Inisi, Jackson Garden-Bachop, Jonathan Taumateine, Julian Savea, Kyren Taumoefolau, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Losi Filipo, Melani Matavao, Neria Fomai, Patrick Pellegrini, Pepesana Patafilo, Solomon Alaimalo, Tuna Tuitama, William Havili.
SUPER RUGBY PACIFIC: ELEVENTH
Four wins was an improvement on the three victories the year before. There was some satisfaction in not finishing last – that dubious honour went to the woeful NSW Waratahs.
LUCK OF THE DRAW:
Travel, travel and more travel to kick-start the campaign. Moana Pasifika face the gruelling trip to Perth in round one to face the Western Force, then take on the Reds in Brisbane, before flying home to host the Highlanders at North Harbour Stadium. The Hurricanes are next at home before a well-earned bye and the much-anticipated home match in Tonga against the Chiefs.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW:
Inspirational head coach Tana Umaga made significant progress with his squad last campaign. He has no doubts about how tough it is to turn around the poor record of the club since joining Super Rugby Pacific.
Having multiple home venues and training grounds did not help. In 2025, there is much more stability in the organisation being based at North Harbour Stadium for training and home matches. The purpose built gym they share with A League club Auckland FC is a huge step-up to what they had been using.
Umaga has 14 new signings to integrate into the club after a wholesale clean-out from last year’s roster.
“It’s exciting, we’ve got a new group of players and a new group of staff coming on board in 2025 for Moana Pasifika. I think the calibre of all these people is going to lift Moana Pasifika from where we’ve been,” says Umaga.
“The likes of Ardie Savea, Pone Fa’amausili, Solomon Alaimalo, Jackson Garden-Bachop. These guys who are experienced in Super Rugby will add to the experience we’ve already got that took us to where we got to last year.
“We had some close games last year where we could compete for long minutes. I think if we had some more experience in certain areas then we might’ve been able to turn those games into wins.
“We’ve also got some seasoned campaigners that have been part of our movement for a long time, like Jonathan Taumateine and Danny Toala who have grown up in the Moana Pasifika environment. They know what it’s about and feel a real big part of that.”
A fresh new start is just what the club needs. Moana Pasifika have never finished higher than
11th and have struggled to pull crowds since entering Super Rugby Pacific, but they will be hoping the arrival of superstar Savea will dramatically improve the on-field performances and crowd support.
Samoan-born Savea’s move from the Hurricanes is an extraordinary selfless gesture, to try to improve the standings of the club and the game in general in Tonga and Samoa. He will link up with his brother and former All Black wing Julian Savea, and join an already powerful loose forward group including Sione Havili-Talitui, Lotu Inise and Miracle Faailagi.
Other quality recruits are first-five Garden-Bachop and outside back Losi Filipo from Wellington, with former Chiefs wing Solomon Alaimalo returning to rugby union after a year with the West Tigers in the NRL
WHO’S NEW:
Forwards: Chris Apoua (Northland), Pone Fa’amausili (Waratahs), Ardie Savea (Hurricanes), Tito Tuipulotu (Auckland).
Backs: Solomon Alaimalo (West Tigers), Losi Filipo (Hurricanes), Jackson Garden-Bachop (Hurricanes), Patrick Pellegrini (Coventry, England), Tuna Tuitama (Samoa Sevens).
WHO’S THROUGH:
Forwards: Suetena Asomua, Donald Brighthouse, Solomone Funaki (Dragons RFC), Sekope Kepu, Sateki Latu, Viliami Napa’a, Henry Taefu.
Backs: Nigel Ah Wong, Ereatara Enari, Viliami Fine, Lalomilo Lalomilo, Christian Lealiifano, D’Angelo Leuila, Otumaka Mausia, Anzelo Tuitavuki (US Colomiers, France).
Get to know the four Australian teams and Fijian Drua.
Last year: Tenth
Head coach: Simon Cron
Captain: Jeremy Williams
Home ground: HBF Park, Perth
Website: westernforce.rugby
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.com.au
TAB odds: $81.00
Last year: Twelfth
Head coach: Dan McKellar
Captain: Jake Gordon
Home ground: Allianz Stadium, Sydney
Website: www.waratahs.rugby
Tickets: www.waratahs.rugby/tickets
TAB odds: $26.00
The drums are starting to beat out west as supporters believe this could be the best WESTERN FORCE squad to contest any Super Rugby competition. Certainly, with 13 Wallabies on the books and a stack of first-class veterans in the squad, there is plenty of reasons for optimism. Top quality imports in hooker Brandon Paenga-Amosa (Montpellier), lock Darcy Swain (Brumbies), prop Harry Johnson-Holmes and wing Dylan Pietsch (Waratahs), only add to the belief.
Paenga-Amosa, Swain and Johnson-Holmes join a quality forward pack that features experienced campaigners in flanker Carlo Tizzano, lock Jeremy Williams, prop Tom Robertson, lock Sam Carter and No 8 Nick Champion de Crespigny.
There is a strong New Zealand connection at the club. Head coach Simon Cron recently signed a two-year extension, centres Matt Proctor and Sio Tomkinson boast well over 100 first class games across New Zealand and the UK, while loose forward Reed Prinsep is among the club’s most experienced and hard-nosed players.
How a team with the talent across the park that the NSW WARATAHS possessed last year finished dead last with just two wins was hard to fathom. Even worse, it was the 2014 Super Rugby champions’ second wooden spoon in the last four years. The once powerhouse of rugby in Australia has become a public laughing-stock which has hurt deep within the DNA of this proud club.
So in 2025 there is a new coach and overhauled roster to hopefully immediately turn around the club’s fortunes. On paper, the changes look positive enough and there is certainly heightened expectations among the Waratahs’ faithful.
New head coach Dan McKellar has signed on for three years after coaching Leicester Tigers in England. The former Brumbies boss has been tasked with restoring pride and winning ways to the Sydney outfit.
“I’m extremely pleased to be joining the New South Wales Waratahs. Rugby in New South Wales has a proud history of over 150 years and the Waratahs are the pinnacle of representation within the state,” says McKellar.
By Peter White
Veteran halfback Nic White needs to return to his best form to spark the Force, both on and off the field.
“We’ve got some really good in our game, but we’ve also shown we’ve got some bad in our game at times. We just need to rid of that,” says Cron.
“We’ll start working on combinations pretty early on. Constantly learning, constantly developing, constantly growing. I think you can see some key fundamentals starting to grow within the team –mateship, trust and respect.
“What I’m observing in our group is growing those relationships, growing the mateship, the trust in each other, trust to keep fighting back. That’s really important for us going forward. The boys are constantly working on ways we can get better.”
One thing Cron has to improve is the team’s woeful away record. The last win on the road was back in 2022 with the Force having a 0–15 record of away games played over the last two seasons.
The draw has been kind to the Force with the first match outside Australia not coming until round 5.
“The club fell short of expectations in 2024 but there are building blocks in place to improve on. I’m motivated and passionate to deliver a vastly improved performance (this) season, comprising of consistent efforts that will make the loyal Waratahs’ fan-base proud.”
McKellar has recruited some top class talent to help make that happen. High-performing Wallabies in wing/fullback Andrew Kellaway, tighthead prop Taniela Tupou, loose forward Rob Leota, loosehead prop Isaac Kailea, wing Darby Lancaster and former rugby league sensation Joseph Suaalii, who made such a dramatic start to his rugby career on the Wallabies northern tour last year, are quality players.
Brilliant young attacking star Max Jorgensen spent most of last season at fullback but with Kellaway’s arrival, the 20-year-old may fill one of the wing berths, with lightning-quick former Rebels flyer Dan Lancaster a likely starter on the other wing. Throw Suaalii into the centre role and you have multiple outstanding attacking threats for the Waratahs.
The BRUMBIES must be wondering if they will ever get any meaningful opposition from the other Australian clubs. The Reds made the quarters last year but once again in 2025 it will be the stalwarts from Canberra flying the Aussie flag.
Coach Stephen Larkham has a settled squad with 30 players back from last year including 12 Wallabies. The demise of the Rebels has also been to the Brumbies gain, with forward Tuaina Taii Tualima and centre David Feliuai both high quality recruits. By retaining many in their experienced forward pack, including Allan Alaalatoa, James Slipper, Rob Valetini, Caderyn Neville and Nick Frost, and bolstered by the many rising stars such as Charlie Cale, Blake Schopp, Tom Hooper and Lachlan Lonergan, the Brumbies will once again have a highly competitive pack and no shortage of possession to work with.
The Brumbies have a well-balanced backline with some of Australia’s most exciting ball players in Tom Wright, Len Ikitau, Ollie Sapsford and Noah Lolesio, plus plenty of speed out wide in Corey Toole and
Glen Jackson’s extraordinary achievement in Super Rugby is unlikely to ever be matched. He was a player with the Chiefs, the number-one ranked referee in the competition, and now he is head coach of the FIJIAN DRUA
Jackson steps up from his assistant role last year to replace Mick Byrne, who is the Flying Fijian national coach.
“It’s a very well-balanced side. We haven’t lost many players from last year and the ones that we’ve brought in have experience, mostly from overseas,” says Jackson.
“You’ll see guys like (flanker/lock) Joe Tamani coming back from France. He gave us excitement for the first two years and he missed the third year. So, we’ve got a good balance in what is still a very young team.”
Drua have co-captains for the first time in the club’s short history, with hooker Tevita Ikanivere and halfback Frank Lomani handed the leadership reins for the new season.
Lomani is the most experienced player in the squad with 53 Super Rugby appearances, including 28 for the Drua.
The post-Brad Thorn period under head coach Les Kiss started well for the Reds with an improved placing of fifth on the table. It could have been so much better but for two heartbreaking defeats to the Hurricanes and Blues in injury time.
The REDS then went to Hamilton to play the Chiefs in their quarter-final match-up, pushing the eventual finalists for long periods of the match. It was the Reds third consecutive quarter-final exit. With the talented squad at his disposal, Kiss will be aiming for a place in the semi-finals in 2025. There is plenty of experience in the group with 12 players having notched up more than 50 games for the Reds, including outstanding halfback Tate McDermott (91).
Two of the 50-cap club are lock Lukhan Salakaia-Loto and outside back Filipo Daugunu. Both Wallabies return to the club as off-season signings. Outside back Lachie Anderson, lock Josh Canham, prop Matt Gibbon and utility back Mason Gordon are other key recruits.
Andy Muirhead. Larkham is happy with the make-up of his squad and is looking forward to the 2025 campaign.
“We’re delighted with our squad for (this) year’s Super Rugby Pacific. To maintain the bulk of our group from last season is pleasing and keeps a real sense of continuity around the club,” he said.
“We’re excited to see what all the new additions can bring to the team in 2025. The two guys from Melbourne have given a great account of themselves since coming in for pre-season and are going to prove invaluable to us. We’re particularly looking forward to seeing the young guys getting some game time for the first team. The elite development squad here keeps producing talent, year after year, and it’s incredibly satisfying to see those boys come through the system and pull on a Brumbies shirt.
“It’s been a terrific atmosphere around the place since pre-season began. We’ll be keeping the ball rolling into 2025 ahead of the first game against Fijian Drua in Suva in February.”
He is one of only two players in the squad with 100 Super Rugby Pacific points.
Ikanivere has captained the Drua on multiple occasions in the past two seasons. He has the most appearances in the competition (38) for the Drua and features second on the try scoring list for the club with 10 tries.
The squad has been bolstered by the arrival of 50-test cap Flying Fijian Peni Ravai. The big front rower joins from the Queensland Reds, where he played 27 times and scored three tries.
Tough centre Inia Tabuavou returns from Racing 92 in France’s Top 14 competition. Others to watch include Paris Olympics’ silver medalist Ponipate Loganimasi and wing Vuate Karawalevu, who featured for the NSW Waratahs in 2024.
There is genuine belief in Fiji that the Drua can be a serious threat to the more established clubs in 2025.
Last year, the Drua disappointed in finishing seventh with their poor form away from the hotbed of support in Suva and Lautoka affecting their top four aspirations. Jackson will want to improve on the away record.
The Reds have strong depth at lock. Seru Uru, Angus Blyth and 50-cap workhorse Ryan Smith are joined by Wallaby locks Salakaia-Loto and Canham, after the Melbourne pair inked deals at Ballymore.
The outside backs look just as competitive with power and pace to burn among Daugunu, Lachie Anderson, Mason Gordon and ex-Crusader Heremaia Murray.
“We continue to evolve our squad and increase our depth and options for what will be another challenging Super Rugby Pacific season,” says Kiss.
“This is an ambitious group that knows working hard is the only way to bring out the best of their abilities in a fantastic competition. We need to be ready for everything Super Rugby throws at you and that starts on the training field, in the gym and in our team meetings.”
The Reds have been given the unwanted first round bye, before they open their 2025 campaign against Moana Pasifika at home followed by the long trek to Perth to play the Western Force.
Last year: Semi-finals
Head coach: Stephen Larkham
Captain: Ryan Lonergan
Home ground: GIO Stadium, Canberra
Website: www.brumbies.rugby
Tickets: premier.ticketek.com.au
TAB odds: $8.00
Last year: Seventh Head coach: Glen Jackson
Captains: Tevita Ikanivere, Frank Lomani Home grounds: ANZ Stadium, Suva; Churchill Park, Lautoka Website: drua.rugby
Tickets: drua.flicket.io
TAB odds: $21 .00
Last year: Fifth Head coach: Les Kiss
Captains: Liam Wright, Tate McDermott Home ground: Ballymore Stadium, Brisbane Website: www.reds.rugby
Tickets: premier.ticketek.com.au
TAB odds: $15.00
Backing The Blues since day one
by Peter White
The Blues are buzzing, buoyed by the return of one of Aotearoa’s greatest players and the confidence from winning last year’s Aupiki title
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: There is nothing quite as satisfying as turning up to pre-season training knowing that you are the defending champions.
For the first time since Super Rugby Aupiki began in 2022, the Blues Women are in that space after winning a tumultuous final against the Chiefs Manawa last April.
The Blues were trailing 18-5 with 15 minutes to play when the threatening rain descended on Eden Park. From that moment, it was all one-way traffic as the Blues scored two tries to close the gap to just one point with time almost up. The Chiefs then made a terminal error to cough up the ball, opening up the chance to win the title which the Blues took.
Head coach Willie Walker has added nine new signings to this year’s squad to bolster an experienced core of players.
Superstar Portia Woodman-Wickliffe is the stand-out new face joining the Blues squad, that also includes Black Ferns hooker Atlanta Lolohea and 2022 Rugby World Cup winning prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, who previously played for Chiefs Manawa. Another player likely to make a strong impact is abrasive loose forward Elizabeth Moimoi, who played in four wins last year including the final.
Woodman-Wickliffe returns after a stint with the Mie Pearls in Japan. She felt the opportunity to play Super Rugby Aupiki alongside her niece Kerri Johnson was too good to miss.
“Kerri played for the nib Blues last season and loved every moment. It was inspiring to see what the team achieved and it was something I wanted to be a part of,” says Woodman-Wickliffe.
“The chance to play with my niece is something pretty special for me and my wha - nau.”
Walker is confident he has the right mix of youth and experience to defend the title in 2025.
“I think we’ve recruited well. The additions we’ve made will only add to a strong returning group of players from last season. I’m proud of the way we’ve been able to retain a lot of our squad. It makes me think we’ve got the culture and vibe right if players want to come back and play for us,” he says.
“We need to innovate, stay ahead of the game and give ourselves an opportunity to win another title.”
The Blues are excited to take a home game to Whangarei’s Semenoff Stadium for the first time. They also have two double-header matches alongside the Blues men at Eden Park – against Chiefs Manawa in round 2 and Hurricanes Poua in round 6.
Walker says they are already looking forward to playing in front of their home Northland fans. “Our connection to the north is really important to the Blues and really important to this team. We have players with ties to the region and to be able to play in front of friends and family is always a special moment.
“It’s also great to be playing double-headers this season alongside the Blues men. There is very much a one club feel at Blues HQ and to have both our premier teams playing back-to-back is not only a win for our fans but awesome for our players.
“We loved the atmosphere and hype around our double-header last season and I look back fondly at that intercept try and last minute win. It’s great to have more of that exposure this season and here’s hoping our double-headers have the same tension, drama and excitement.”
Coach: Willie Walker
Captain: Ruahei Demant
Home ground: Eden Park, Auckland
Website: www.blues.rugby
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.co.nz
Contact: PO Box 77012, Mt Albert, Auckland 1350
Phone 09 846 5425
Email: info@blues.rugby
FORWARDS:
Chryss Viliko, Aldora Itunu, Sophie Fisher, Cheyenne Tuli-Fale, Harono Te Iringa, Awhina Tangen-Wainohu, Atlanta Lolohea, Oceane Donelley, Maiakawanakaulani Roos, Eloise Blackwell, Maama Mo’onia Vaipulu, Liana Mikaele-Tu’u, Elizabith Moimoi, Lemalu Dajian Brown, Paris Mataroa, Holly Greenway, Lily Murray-Wihongi.
BACKS:
Kahlia Awa, Tara-Leigh Turner, Ruahei Demant, Krysten Cottrell, Sylvia Brunt, Daynah Nankivell, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Patricia Maliepo, Katelyn Vahaakolo, Jaymie Kolose, Kerri Johnson, Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Danii Mafoe.
Coach: Fusi Feaunati
Captain: Jackie Patea-Fereti
Home grounds: Sky Stadium, Wellington; NCIS, Upper Hutt
Website: www.hurricanes.co.nz
Tickets: hurricanes.flicket.co.nz
Contact:
Level 2, 191 Thorndon Quay, Pipitea, Wellington.
Phone 04 389 0020
Email: mail@hurricanes.co.nz
HURRICANES POUA SQUAD
FORWARDS:
Jayme Nuku, Natalie Delamere, Forne Burkin, Rachael Rakatau, Ngano Tavake, Angel Mulu, Lavinia Lea, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo, Kahurangi Sturmey, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Jackie Patea-Fereti, Samantha Taylor, Rhiarna Ferris, Olioli Mua, Joanah Ngan-Woo, Elinor Plum-King, Layla Sae.
BACKS:
Iritana Hohaia, Raedeen Blake, Paige Lush, Te Rauoriwa Gapper, Cassie Siataga, Shakira Baker, Teilah Ferguson, Leilani Hakiwai, Rangimarie Sturmey, Monica Tagoai, Harmony Kautai, Isabella Waterman, Ayesha Leti-I’iga, Denise Aiolupotea, Payton Takimoana.
The Hurricanes Poua have a top class squad with a fresh approach and new head coach. Could this be their year to clinch the title?
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The Hurricanes Poua players and coaching staff need no reminding they are the only club yet to win the Aupiki title.
It has only been three years but there is a feeling within the club that it is time to right that wrong.
Maybe it will be in 2025. They certainly have a strong squad of players and new head coach Fusi Feaunati is looking to direct his team on a new path this season – with the goal to win the title.
“The Poua are prioritising connection and growth this year. The focus is on making improvements in our on-field performance and raising expectations around performance culture,” he says.
“We’re building a team with an exciting mix of fresh talent and experience, that I believe will be fundamental in growing our performance culture. These women are already performing in FPC and have proven themselves to be hard working, focused and ready to excel at high performance level.
“This is going to be a year of growth for the Poua and we can’t wait to get stuck in. The Poua are looking forward to showcasing an exciting brand of rugby. We’ve got a dynamic group, including some of the best players in the world right now.”
The Poua have retained most of their senior players, including five Black Ferns, from last season who will line up alongside nine new players. Former Black Fern Natalie Delamere is a welcome addition to the front row stocks. The dynamic hooker made her Super Rugby Aupiki debut for Matatu - , before earning selection in the Black Ferns World Cup winning squad in 2022.
Other quality front rowers to join the Poua are Forne Burkin, Esther Faiaoga-Tilo and Angel Mulu, who all have international experience in the black jersey. Hooker Jayme Nuku is back from plying her trade in Hong Kong and Australia.
Classy first-five Cassie Siataga is a huge boost to the team’s title aspirations. She will make her Aupiki debut after a successful stint playing in the Australian Super Women’s competition.
Highly experienced lock Jackie Patea-Fereti will captain the team for the third consecutive year. It is testimony to her leadership qualities and the high value placed on her by everyone associated with the Poua that she will lead the team out first again.
“It’s a huge honour. This role isn’t something I take lightly and my decision to continue this journey took a lot of reflection and conversations with loved ones,” says Patea-Fereti.
“I’m excited about continuing this journey with Fusi and the rest of the crew for 2025.”
Hurricanes Poua open their campaign at SKY Stadium in Wellington with a double-header match-up against the Blues. Both the Poua and Hurricanes men’s team will want to get an early victory over the two defending champions.
In what is a positive move to increase the bonds between the team and the wider community, the Poua will host two matches at their home base at the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport (NZCIS) in Upper Hutt. In round four they host Matatu - before welcoming Chiefs Manawa to the excellent venue a week later.
Coach Feaunati is delighted at the prospect of connecting with local fans at these special community games.
“Three games at home is going to create a lot of opportunities to welcome stakeholders at all levels to come and support the team. To be able to take the game out to the community and bring our fans along with us is a really special thing.”
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CHIEFS MANAWA
Coach: Dwayne Sweeney
Captain: Kennedy Simon
Losing last year’s final to the Matatu - was a shock for the Manawa. Now they are primed for another title win – helped by a returning superstar.
Home ground: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Website: www.chiefs.co.nz
Tickets: www.chiefs.co.nz/game-tickets
Contact:
PO Box 4292, Hamilton East 3247. Phone 0800 424 4337
Email: info@chiefs.co.nz
CHIEFS MANAWA SQUAD
FORWARDS:
Grace Houpapa-Barrett, Kate Henwood, Krystal Murray, Luka Connor, Santo Taumata, Logan Hauraki, Tanya Kalounivale, Vicki Rose Green, Charmaine Smith, Chyna Hohepa, Grace Kukutai, Jade Coates, Kennedy Simon, Mia Anderson, Veisinia Fakalelu.
BACKS:
Ariana Bayler, Hazel Tubic, Kiriana Nolan, Rosie Kelly, Azalleyah Maaka, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Kelly Brazier, Mererangi Paul, Reece Anderson, Renee Holmes, Ruby Tui, Tenika Willison.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: Is there any greater excitement in sport than watching your team pull off a miraculous win in the final play of the match? It is up there with the finest drama of any wonderful theatre production.
But for the vanquished players, coaches and supporters, that last second defeat cuts deep and is hard to forget. For that to happen once in a Super Rugby Aupiki final is hard enough to take but remarkably it is the fate of the Chiefs Manawa team in the last two finals.
In 2023, a simple penalty goal was missed in the final play, while last year the Chiefs carelessly lost possession in the dying moments to allow Auckland the chance to clinch the title.
For now, that is all in the past and will not be part of the strategy to return to this year’s final showdown, but you just know it is burning away in the background. Chiefs Manawa will again start as one of the teams to beat with a quality squad, packed full of international stars and the return of three players who may just make that critical difference later in the campaign.
Returning to the Hamilton-based side is four-time world champion Kelly Brazier, two in sevens and two in fifteens, and fellow Black Fern Sevens star and NRLW finalist Tenika Willison.
Powerhouse prop Santo Taumata makes her much-anticipated return from injury after missing more than a year of top grade rugby. She broke her hand in the Aupiki pre-season in 2023, then ruptured her ACL in club rugby before finally getting back on the field with Bay of Plenty Volcanix in August last year.
New Chiefs Manawa head coach Dwayne Sweeney is grateful to have the top class trio in his squad.
“Kelly, Tenika and Santo were all exceptional for Chiefs Manawa in previous seasons, so we are excited to have them back in Chiefs colours. They will add to the depth and experience within our squad but also bring some healthy competition that will have everyone working hard for those starting roles,” he says.
“I don’t want to be biased but Waikato were immense during FPC (Farah Palmer Cup) last season and earned their title. We have selected several of our rookies from within that team as across the competition we feel they were the best of that next generation of players. We look forward to seeing them perform at Super Rugby level.”
Lock Logan Hauraki and loose forward Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu are two of those exciting rookies who impressed for Waikato. Another young player on the way up is first-five Kiriana Nolan, who earns a fulltime spot in the squad after making her Chiefs Manawa debut last year as an injury replacement.
Other quality recruits are utility back Rosie Kelly, who transfers from Matatu, and Fiji and Waikato lock Jade Coates who had three seasons with the Fijian Drua in the Super W based in Australia. Shoshanah Seumanutafa was part of the Chiefs Manawa wider squad in 2024 and gains a full contact after impressive performances for Counties Manukau in last year’s FPC and with Canada in the WXV1 tournament.
Brazier last played for the Manawa in the inaugural 2022 season. She is delighted to be back and would love to add to the title she won in 2022.
“I’m really looking forward to rejoining the Chiefs Manawa side for the 2025 Aupiki season. We’ve got a great group of players and being led by Dwayne Sweeney, it’s going to be an exciting season ahead.”
The Matatu - will likely sneak under the radar ahead of the new Aupiki season but the other teams should be very wary of the quality squad assembled.
CAMPAIGN PREVIEW: The value of southern pride cannot be underestimated when assessing the chances of the Matatu - repeating their 2023 Aupiki title win. Where they are from – and who they represent – were given high priority in the pre-season team meetings.
Returning head coach Whitney Hansen says her squad this season is an exciting combination of experienced performers and young potential stars.
“Once again we have a large number of returning players, who have a strong connection to Matatuand to each other, and will make up some of the critical combinations across the playing group,” she says.
“With the new group of contracted athletes we looked to target both young talent from the South Island, who we hope to grow across the next three to five years and who will in time become the next generation of Matatu - stars, and talent who we believe possess a real point of difference that we could support to enhance and unleash in our environment.”
Expectations ahead of the new campaign have been heightened by the return to Matatu - colours of two top quality players in Hannah King and Chelsea Bremner.
Emerging Black Ferns first-five King moves south from Wellington after a year with the Hurricanes Poua.
“I’m really excited to realise a goal and dream of mine to play for Matatu - ,” she says.
“I will be forever grateful to the Hurricanes Poua for the opportunity they gave me last season but the chance to stay at home and play for the team I grew up around was too good to turn down. Also, the opportunity to play with the girls who helped me develop over the years is something I will cherish.”
Experienced Black Ferns lock Bremner played for Matatu - in the inaugural Aupiki season before shifting to the Chiefs Manawa in 2023 and 2024. The Cantabrian is delighted to be back closer to her family, based at Banks Peninsula, and to join forces with her sister Alana who is a key loose forward in the Matatu - squad.
There is no shortage of talent throughout the squad. A core of Black Ferns reps, including tighthead prop Amy Rule, centre Amy du Plessis, hooker Georgia Ponsonby and loosehead prop Pip Love, are the role models for some of the best young talent that was showcased in last year’s Farah Palmer Cup.
Black Ferns halfback Maia Joseph will be a great sounding board for new halfback Abigail Paton, who hails from East Otago and has earned her first contract.
Joseph made her debut for Matatu - last year and just five weeks later was in the run-on team for the Black Ferns against USA. She started at halfback, inside first-five King who was also making her test debut.
“I’ve loved playing with Hannah. She’s got such a calm presence and she works really hard off the field,” says Joseph.
“I know she made me a lot better player and I hope I helped her a lot playing for the Black Ferns. I’m really excited to play with Hannah. Matatu - being the whole South Island, I get to represent Dunedin and Otago, my school that has made me the player that I am, but also my family.”
Midfielders Hollyrae Mete and Fia Laikong join from Hurricanes Poua while other new faces are five-eight Keighley Simpson, outside back Kelsyn McCook, and the Tasman pair of fullback Sarah Jones and USA-test hooker Jett Hayward.
MATATU -
C oach: Whitney Hansen
Captain: Alana Bremner
Home ground: Apollo Projects Stadium, Christchurch; Trafalgar Park, Nelson
Website: www.matatu.co.nz
Tickets: www.matatu.co.nz/drawandtickets
Contact: PO Box 755, Christchurch. Phone 03 379 8300
Email: marketing@matatu.co.nz
FORWARDS:
Amy Rule, Eilis Doyle, Georgia Ponsonby, Pip Love, Moomooga Palu, Marcelle Parkes, Tegan Hollows, Emma Dermody, Lucy Jenkins, Chelsea Bremner, Alana Bremner, Laura Bayfield, Fiaali’i Solomona, Kaipo OlsenBaker, Jett Hayward, Sarah Jones, Tayla Simpson.
BACKS:
Maia Joseph, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Chey Robins-Reti, Martha Mataele, Winnie Palamo, Martha Mataele, Abigail Paton, Charlotte Va’afusaga, Fia Laikong, Hannah King, Hollyrae Mete, Keighley Simpson, Kelsyn McCook. Grace Brooker.
Format: • Four teams:
•
NOTE: At time of printing this magazine all dates and kick-off times for Super
Aupiki were correct. For up-to-date information on Super Rugby Aupiki, visit www.superrugby.co.nz/aupiki
