Two players are set for potential debut in what will be the Chiefs Manawa last run out for 2026.
Midfielder Levonah Motuliki and the versatile Finau Mafi have been named on the bench in what will be potential debuts for the young players.
Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney has reshaped the lineup as Chiefs Manawa manage several injuries. Black Ferns Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Mia Anderson are both unavailable alongside Tynealle Fitzgerald, Huia Harding and Carys Dallinger.
Lonita Ngalu is brought in as starting tighthead prop after bringing strong impact from the bench for several weeks. Lock Leomie Kloppers will see her first start of the season with Chyna Hohepa moving to the number 8 position.
Hohepa will share the captaincy this week alongside the experienced Ariana Bayler who returns to start at first-five.
In the midfield Canadian international Shoshanah Seumanutafa joins Justine McGregor with Manaia Nuku at fullback. Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a is set to light up the left wing with Louise Blyde on the right.
Sweeney admits that while injuries are not ideal, it does open up opportunities for players to step up.
“Finau and Levonah have shown perseverance and commitment this season and really taken the opportunity to claim their spots”. Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney.
Chiefs Manawa are keen to finish their season on a high and take the win against the Poua as they travel to Wellington for their final game.
Starting XV
* Denotes Debut
- Chyann Kaitapu
- Vici-Rose Green
- Lonita Ngalu
- Jade Coates
- Leomie Kloppers
- Olivia Holten
- Leata Puni-Lio
- Chyna Hohepa (cc)
- Holli O’Sullivan
- Ariana Bayler (cc)
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa
- Justine McGregor
- Louise Blyde
- Manaia Nuku
Reserves
- Nicole Purdom
- Te Urupounamu McGarvey
- Amber Mundell
- Jessie Wharekura
- Finau Mafi*
- Madison Flutey
- Levonah Motuliki*
- Lela Ieremia
Unavailable due to injury
- Kaea Nepia
- Kiriana Nolan
- Kennedy Tukuafu
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Huia Harding
- Carys Dallinger
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Mia Anderson
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, Navigation Homes Stadium, Pukekohe
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.
