Chiefs Manawa have named their side for their first home game of the Super Rugby Aupiki season, taking on the Blues for round two at FMG Stadium Waikato this week.
Kennedy Tukuafu will lead the side from openside flanker, joined in the loose forwards by Olivia Holten at blindside and Mia Anderson at number eight.
Jade Coates and Chyna Hohepa combine in the second row, with Chyann Kaitapu, Vici-Rose Green and Lonita Ngalu named in the front row.
In the backs, Ariana Bayler and Carys Dallinger will guide Chiefs Manawa from the halves, while international representatives Shoshanah Seumanutafa and Justine McGregor have been named in the midfield.
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Louise Blyde take their place on the wings, with Presayus Singh named at fullback.
With 12 players making their Chiefs Manawa debut in last week’s season opener, this week’s side features two new faces in the starting lineup. Black Ferns Sevens representative Justine McGregor is set to bring added composure to the midfield, while Louise Blyde joins the side on the wing. Leomie Kloppers is also in line to make her Chiefs Manawa debut from the bench.
Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney said the group has been focused on growth and belief heading into their first home fixture.
“This week our focus has been on learning from last week and regaining the confidence we had in pre-season,” said Sweeney. “We have the talent and skills to go all the way, and we’re focused on looking forward.”
The matchday 23 is completed by Nicole Purdom, Te Urupounamu McGarvey, Amber Mundell, Leomie Kloppers, Tynealle Fitzgerald, Holli O’Sullivan, Madison Flutey and Lela Ieremia.
CHIEFS MANAWA will take the field at fmg stadium waikato this saturday 20th june at 2.05pm. with the super rugby pacific grand final happening in wellington later that day fans staying at home in chiefs country can show their support and get along to the game.
Starting XV
* denotes debut
- Chyann Kaitapu
- Vici-Rose Green
- Lonita Ngalu
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Olivia Holten
- Kennedy Tukuafu
- Mia Anderson
- Ariana Bayler
- Carys Dallinger
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa
- Justine McGregor*
- Louise Blyde*
- Presayus Singh
Reserves
- Nicole Purdom
- Te Urupounamu McGarvey
- Amber Mundell
- Leomie Kloppers
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Holli O’Sullivan
- Madison Flutey
- Lela Ieremia
Unavailable due to injury
- Kaea Nepia
- Kiriana Nolan
- Levonah Motuliki
- Jessie Wharekura
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Manaia Nuku
- Leata Puni-Lio
Chiefs Manawa 2026 fixtures
Round One – Sat 13 Jun, 4:05pm
Matatū vs Chiefs Manawa, One NZ Stadium, Christchurch
Round Two – Sat 20 Jun, 2:05pm
Chiefs Manawa vs Blues, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
Round Three (Super rugby aupiki ALL IN) – Sat 27 Jun, 5:05pm
Chiefs Manawa vs Hurricanes Poua, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
Round Four – Sat 4 Jul, 12:20pm
Chiefs Manawa vs Matatū, Fred Jones Park, Hamilton
Round Five – Fri 10 Jul, 4:35pm
Blues vs Chiefs Manawa, Semenoff Stadium, Whangārei
Round Six – Sat 18 Jul, 12:20pm
Hurricanes Poua vs Chiefs Manawa, Maidstone Park, Upper Hutt
Super Rugby Aupiki Final – Sat 25 Jul, Kick‑off TBC
Rank 1 vs Rank 2, Venue TBC
Super Rugby Trans‑Tasman Champions Final – Sat 1 Aug, Kick‑off TBC
Super Rugby Aupiki Winner vs Super W Winner – Australian venue
How to watch: Every round of Super Rugby Aupiki, plus the Grand Final and the Trans‑Tasman Champions Final, will be broadcast live on Sky.
