Former Wallaroos international Carys Dallinger will be make her Chiefs Manawa debut at first five-eighth against Matatū at Te Kaha, One New Zealand Stadium, in Ōtautahi Christchurch on Saturday
Dallinger, 26, was born in Rotorua and played 27 games for the Manawatū Cyclones before heading to Australia, where she played six Tests in 2023. She has also previously represented Hurricanes Poua and the Queensland Reds.
Dallinger is one of seven players named to make their starting debut for Chiefs Manawa, alongside prop Chyann Kaitapu, lock Jessie Wharekura, second five-eighth and 7’s replacement cover Huia Harding, and the back three of Lela Ieremia, Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a and Presayus Singh.
A further five players could make their Chiefs Manawa debut from the bench, adding another layer of excitement for Chiefs Manawa supporters and the wider Chiefs whānau.
Despite the new faces, Chiefs Manawa will also call on a strong group of internationals, led by Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Tukuafu. She is joined by Fiji lock Jade Coates and Canada international Shoshanah Seumanutafa, with Tukuafu entering her third term as squad captain.
Four Black Ferns feature in the forward pack, with Vici-Rose Green at hooker, Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu at prop and Mia Anderson on the blindside, alongside Tukuafu.
Halfback Ariana Bayler and Dallinger bring Test-level experience to the halves, giving Chiefs Manawa a strong balance of fresh talent and proven quality.
“I’m really proud of the work we’ve put in pre-season particularly from our homegrown locals. We have a lot of debuts this week but I’m confident in their ability to showcase their talent” Dwayne Sweeney, Head Coach
After two promising pre-season wins, Chiefs Manawa will be looking to start the season strongly away from home, in front of what could be Super Rugby Aupiki’s largest-ever crowd at the new Te Kaha Stadium in Ōtautahi.
Starting XV
* denotes debut
- Chyann Kaitapu*
- Vici-Rose Green
- Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu
- Jade Coates
- Jessie Wharekura*
- Mia Anderson
- Kennedy Tukuafu
- Chyna Hohepa
- Ariana Bayler
- Carys Dallinger*
- Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a*
- Huia Harding*
- Shoshanah Seumanutafa
- Lela Ieremia*
- Presayus Singh*
Reserves
- Nicole Purdom*
- Amber Mundell*
- Lonita Ngalu*
- Leata Puni-Lio
- Olivia Holten*
- Tynealle Fitzgerald
- Madison Flutey*
- Reese Anderson
Travelling reserve: Te Urupounamu McGarvey
Unavailable due to injury
- Kaea Nepia
- Kiriana Nolan
- Levonah Motuliki
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, Fred Jones Park, 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, 12:35pm
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, 12:35pm
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.
