The team representing the South Island were expecting a crowd of 10,000 as of yesterday afternoon for their opening clash against Chiefs Manawa at Te Kaha in Christchurch this afternoon.
That number was expected to climb before kickoff and will be a record for a standalone domestic women’s game in New Zealand, surpassing the previous crowd of 4800 during the Aupiki final in 2024.
Matatū will be wanting to put out a strong display for their fans as they search for their first title since 2023.
They have a strong squad again this season.
Otago Black Fern Maia Joseph gets the nod at halfback, Amy du Plessis and captain Grace Brooker form a tough midfield duo, Hannah King will drive the side from first five.
Former netballer Paris Lokotui has been named at lock and has a strong partner in Laura Bayfield to guide her in the tight five for her debut.
Kaipo Olsen-Baker will be looking to pick up where she left off from a strong 2025 at No 8 and is joined by former Poua flanker Elinor-Plum King and Fiaali’i Solomona.
Poppy Baxter, Binky Muamua and Wikitoria Rogers will all make their Aupiki debuts.
Otago midfielder Charlotte Va’afusuaga and flanker Sarah Jones have been named on the bench.
Blair Baxter is back as head coach — taking over from now Black Ferns coach Whitney Hansen — having coached the side in 2022 and 2023.
The Chiefs Manawa have lost a bunch of players from last season. But they are well led by Black Fern co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu and have more experience in former Wallaroo Carys Dallinger at first five, Fijian lock Jade Coates and Canadian international Shoshanah Seumanutafa in the midfield.
Otago back Maddie Flutey will make her Aupiki debut for the Manawa off the bench.
Otago captain Greer Muir has been named at No 8 for her Hurricanes Poua debut. They play defending champions the Blues at 2.05pm.
Super Rugby Aupiki
Christchurch, 4.05pm
Matatū: Poppy Baxter, Winnie Palamo, Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Binky Muamua, Hannah King, Maia Joseph, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Elinor-Plum King, Fiaali’i Solomona, Paris Lokotui, Laura Bayfield, Santo Taumata, Nat Delamere, Maddi Robinson.
Reserves: Holly Greenway, Marcelle Parkes, Wikitoria Rogers, Sophie Kerr, Sarah Jones, Kelsyn McCook, Charntay Poko, Charlotte Va’afusuaga.
Chiefs Manawa: Presayus Singh, Lela Ieremia, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Huia Harding, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a, Carys Dallinger, Ariana Bayler, Chyna Hohepa, Kennedy Tukuafu, Mia
Anderson, Jessie Wharekura, Jade Coates, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu, Vici-Rose Green, Chyann Kaitapu.
Reserves: Nicole Purdom, Amber Mundell, Lonita Ngalu, Leata Puni-Lio, Olivia Holten, Tynealle Fitzgerald, Madison Flutey, Reese Anderson.
