There are three teams in contention for the Sky Super Rugby Aupiki final. Matatū is in pole position to host the decider, needing only a bonus point against the Blues. If the Poua win, they will also be in contention, though their points differential leaves them needing other results to go their way. The best-case scenario for the competition's breakthrough team is a Matatū victory.
Hurricanes Poua v Chiefs Manawa
The Hurricanes Poua have won a record three consecutive games, beating every side in the competition after enduring a 12-game, two-year losing streak. With another win and a Blues stumble, they could reach their first final. It would be an unfathomable achievement considering they were 0-2 after two rounds and had beenoutscored 60-22.
The Poua applied the blowtorch to a Black Ferns-stacked Matatū forward pack last week and field an unchanged forward pack for Chiefs Manawa. Prop Angel Mulu, who scored the winning try in the 84th minute in Timaru, headlines the team.
"With this team I often don't know the score or the time. I just keep on going; you want to do that with the culture here," Mulu said.
"We have such trust, faith and belief in our leadership group. We've overachieved this season. We're not taking anything for granted. I feel like we're not done yet."
In the backline, halfback Iritana Hohaia and first five Renee Holmes reprise their halves partnership following their record-breaking achievements in Timaru. Hohaia played her 20th game, while Holmes became the first player in Aupiki history to score 200 points and leads the 2026 competition in scoring.
Co-captain Te Rauoriwa Gapper partners Hinemaringi Scott in midfield. Scott comes into the starting side for the first time since the Poua's 34-29 win against Chiefs Manawa in Round 3.
The only other change is on the left wing, where prolific try-scorer Ayesha Leti-I'iga has recovered from a hand injury to join a back three featuring the electric Wikitoria Viljoen and fullback Arene Landon-Lane.
Two changes have also been made to the reserves, with Canadian international Brooke Rempel and midfielder Leilani Hakiwai added to the bench.
Manawa are without Black Ferns Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Mia Anderson, alongside Tynealle Fitzgerald, Huia Harding and Australian international Carys Dallinger.
Melville's Lonita Ngalu earns an opportunity at tighthead prop. She has played 20 FPC matches for Waikato since 2018.
Former Black Ferns halfback Ariana Bayler shifts to first five. In midfield, Canadian international Shoshanah Seumanutafa joins Justine McGregor, with Manaia Nuku at fullback.
Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a, who has carried for more metres than any player in the competition, starts on the left wing, with Louise Blyde (10 tries in eight games for Canterbury) on the right.
Finau Mafi, 22, and Levonah Motuliki, 19, are set for their debuts from the bench. Mafi has won eight of her nine matches for Waikato, while winger Motuliki has scored six tries in seven games for Auckland.
Manawa have won seven of their eight matches against the Poua.
Blues v Matatū
The Blues overpowered the Chiefs 42-26 last Saturday to stay in contention for back-to-back Super Rugby Aupiki titles. After suffering consecutive losses for the first time since 2023, the Blues scored six converted tries in a clinical victory against the winless 2022 champions.
In a ruthless pursuit of consistency, former Māori All Black Willie Walker has named a settled lineup, with only one change to the starting XV. Dajian Brown replaces rookie Danny-Elle Fesolai at openside flanker. Brown, 23, has won all nine games for the Blues and has made 10 Farah Palmer Cup appearances for Auckland since 2024.
Taufa Bason is set to make her 10th appearance from the bench, while Howick College halfback Ffion Penney, 19, is in line for her third game. Notably, Katelyn Vahaakolo (23 games, 16 tries) and two-time Rugby World Cup winner Hazel Tubic are also among the reserves.
Captain Maia Roos again leads a powerful forward pack featuring six Black Ferns. Roos becomes the 29th woman to play 100 first-class matches, including 41 Black Ferns Tests.
Fellow lock Eloise Blackwell is also in line for a milestone, coming off the bench to become the second-most capped Kiwi women's rugby player, surpassing Kendra Cocksedge's 172 matches. Hurricanes Poua assistant coach Emma Jensen holds the all-time record with 189 appearances between 1999 and 2022.
Amarante Sititi, from Auckland Girls' Grammar School, has been in explosive form and issued a warning to top-of-the-table Matatū.
"We're focusing on us rather than the opposition," the blindside flanker said. "When we click it feels unstoppable. Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Ruahei Demant, Braxton Sorensen-McGee – what's there not to like?"
There is plenty to like about Matatū, who beat the Blues 27-21 in Round 3 and need only a single competition point to secure hosting rights for the final.
Black Fern Laura Bayfield, who has won more lineouts than any player in the competition, returns at lock alongside sturdy Southlander Emma Dermody.
Marcelle Parkes, Nat Delamere and Pip Love comprise an all-Black Ferns front row. Lucy Jenkins (the competition's leading tackler in 2023), Elinor-Plum King and Kaipo Olsen-Baker complete a formidable loose forward trio. Olsen-Baker leads the competition for both tries (six) and tackles (86).
The backline remains unchanged from last week, with the combination of Maia Joseph and Charntay Poko continuing to build momentum. There is arguably no better midfield pairing in New Zealand than Grace Brooker and Amy du Plessis. Fullback Maia Davis was outstanding against Hurricanes Poua, scoring a try and producing a crucial try-saving tackle.
A huge boost from the bench is the return of 40-Test Black Fern Georgia Ponsonby. The 26-year-old hooker has won 37 of her 39 FPC matches for Canterbury and made 21 appearances for Matatū.
Ponsonby has spent the season in England with Premiership Women's Rugby runners-up Trailfinders, whose lineout was the competition's most accurate. She replaces Tasman and USA international hooker Jett Hayward, who has been ruled out for the remainder of the season with a knee injury.
Prediction
Who will win? The Blues will likely be the more desperate side, but it should be another tight contest. Matatū should do enough to secure a place in the final, where they will chase their first Sky Super Rugby Aupiki title since 2023.