Chiefs Manawa will play their final home game of the 2026 season this weekend, returning to Pukekohe with several changes to the matchday side.
Accuracy, consistency and strong performances at training have been rewarded, with a number of players earning starting opportunities in their second match up against Matatū.
After coming off the bench in last week’s Aupiki All-In fixture, Chyann Kaitapu returns to the starting lineup at loosehead prop. Madison Flutey will make her first start of the season after strong contributions from the bench in rounds two and three, with her impact, tactical awareness and accuracy earning her the number 10 jersey.
Huia Harding has also been named to start in the midfield, while Tynealle Fitzgerald moves into the number 7 jersey. With captain Kennedy Tukuafu unavailable due to a hamstring injury, Mia Anderson will captain the side.
Head Coach Dwayne Sweeney said the changes reflect the standards players have been setting throughout the week.
“The changes this week are a reflection of the consistency shown at training over the last few weeks,” said Sweeney. “There’s a lot of power and quality in this squad, so every player has to fight for their spot. Both Maddie and Huia have shown their class over the past few weeks with the opportunities presented . We’ve had a few close results, but we know we’re still right in this competition and the group is hungry for the opportunity this weekend.”
After a run of tight results, Chiefs Manawa will be looking to turn strong performances into their first win of the season in front of their home supporters.
The match was originally scheduled to be played at Fred Jones Park, however a late schedule change will see Chiefs Manawa return to Pukekohe, where they will be backed by a passionate local crowd. Fan are encouraged to head to Navigation Homes Stadium and support the Chiefs Manawa as they take on the top-of-table Matatū side.
Tickets are just $10 and fans attending the game will be rewarded with 10% off all official chiefs merchandise on site at navigation homes stadium.
Starting XV
- Chyann Kaitapu
- Vici-Rose Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Jade Coates
- Chyna Hohepa
- Olivia Holten
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Mia Anderson (C)
- Ariana Bayler
- Madison Flutey
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a
- Huia Harding
- Justine McGregor
- Louise Blyde
- Manaia Nuku
Reserves
- Nicole Purdom
- Amber Mundell
- Lonita Ngalu
- Leomie Kloppers
- Leata Puni-Lio
- Holli O’Sullivan
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa
- Presayus Singh
Unavailable due to injury
- Kaea Nepia
- Kiriana Nolan
- Kennedy Tukuafu
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.
