Aupiki FINAL - Chiefs Manawa v Matatū
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Just starting match thread ready for teams.
Chiefs Manawa favourites to go back to back and to continue the winning streak but I expect the Matatū front row to use their big game experience to step p and not let the Chiefs dominate like they have been all comp. Matatū also have the form creative midfield that can find holes in the defence.
Still picking Chiefs but it could be much closer than the round games suggest. -
@Crucial The round 2 game between these teams was quite even until about the 60 (?) minute mark. Not sure whether it was when the subs came on, but IIRC the Chiefs only ran away with it in the last quarter of the game. I kind of expect this to happen in the final, too. At least, I hope Matatū can stay competitive for as long as possible, because that will make for a better game. I also expect a clear win to the Chiefs at full time.
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@Stargazer The Matatū dominated the opening 15 mins (3 tries) and then scored 3 late tries, two of those from Apii Nicholls errors (she replaced Tubic). The Chiefs Manawa lack depth in the backline reserves but their starting scrum demolished the Matatū.
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Waitomo Chiefs Manawa team to play Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Finals:
- Kate Henwood
- Luka Connor
- Tanya Kalounivale
- Kelsie Thwaites
- Chelsea Bremner
- Charmaine Smith
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Kennedy Simon (C)
- Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu (VC)
- Hazel Tubic
- Georgia Daals
- Azalleyah Maaka
- Carla Hohepa
- Mererangi Paul
- Tenika Willison
Reserves
16. Grace Houpapa-Barrett
17. Angel Mulu
18. Te Urupounamu McGarvey
19. Dhys Faleafaga
20. Victoria Makea
21. Violet Hapi-Wise
22. Abigail Roach
23. Olive Watherston*
*debut -
Big ups to one of our extended whānau Olive W who has gone from a Central Otago school team 6th former to Super Rugby Finalist in just over a year. Lots of hard mahi and open ears.
Ironically went to the BOP academy to pursue 7s aspirations as has ended up here. -
Media releases:
Team Naming: Aupiki Grand Final | Matatū Rugby
The grand final is upon us and the Matatū Coaching staff have selected their squad to take on the Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton!
