Round 3: All in Aupiki

This weekend is the big one, yes because of the match ups and the moment we have reached in the season. But also because we have the matches playing back to back in Pukekohe.

We lost power overnight and I awoke to a text from Air New Zealand suggesting we reschedule our plans. I am refreshing the departures page on the Wellington airport obsessively. Watching the yellow creep of cancellations move closer and closer to our flight. We can't shift the event this weekend or my partner's birthday wish that we be there. Going all in on Aupiki.

This weekend is the big one, yes because of the match ups and the moment we have reached in the season. But also because we have the matches playing back to back in Pukekohe. Social media posts from the Super Rugby account have said they are chasing 12,000 in attendance. Which would pip the record set in Christchurch in round one. We will obviously be hoping to add to those numbers but I think they've left the hype a little late to make a real go at the record.

For now though, I'll anxiously summarise the action ahead while wondering how much driving up the island would cost us. Kick off tomorrow is at 4.45pm which means technically, we do still have time to get there. Ready to go all in.

GAME ONE: Manawa vs Poua

Both of these teams were unlucky not to win last week with just 3 points or less separating them from an upset. With their fortunes starting to turn around, they come into this match searching for their first win of the season.

I would have pulled some head to head stats for you here but the truth is I can't. The teams have shifted again, naming new players and new combinations so any comparison here is flimsy. Instead, I'm gonna highlight the good news and the worry I have looking at the team sheets.

First up, the Manawa. Looking at this lineup, it's their game to lose. Having Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu back in the team assures them dominance at scrum time and in their direct running game. They have YET ANOTHER Black Ferns 7s player joining the team. Manaia Nuku at 15, outside her teammate Justine McGregor who had an excellent game at centre last week.

If there is any worry here it's in the pivots. Carys Dallinger was a crucial part of their team's strong performance against the Blues last week and is missing from the line up. This means Ariana Bayler has been named at 10 and not sure I've ever seen her there before. She'll be combining with Holly O'Sullivan who will get her first minutes of the season this weekend.

This gives Iritana Hohaia a chance to be a real nuisance. Something she can be very good at. She had an absolute blinder for the Poua last week, arguably the player of that match. The team will need that form to carry into this week if they are to be in with a chance.

Worries for the Poua? I have a few. I thought our props did better last week than they did in the opener so I'm frustrated to see Ona Palu make it back into the starting lineup. I need a massive uptick in work rate from her to justify this change. Speaking of front row, have we sorted our line out yet? 40% was as bad as I thought it could get but then we dropped further to 33% success at our line outs last week.

The struggles are enough to have me wondering where my rugby boots are. And as my barber said to me on Tuesday, you know things are bad when a retired front rower is thinking about going for a run.

The other bad news is our breakthrough player this season is injured this week. Kokako Raki topped the carries for us last week while effectively shutting Grace Brooker out of the game. I would have loved to see what she could have done against this Manawa midfield but I guess we will now have to wait to round 6.

So is there any hope for my Poua? Well the truth is I have no idea what my team is capable of. I thought they were gonna die a thousand deaths last week and then they almost pipped Matatū despite playing a chunk of the match with only 13 players on the field. So I'll (hopefully!!) be there full noise for them, urging them on like I always do.

GAME TWO: Blues vs Matatū

Finally, the rematch we've all be waiting for. The top of the table clash that will take one team one step closer to not only to the final but the hosting rights too.

The Blues have made just one change to the starting lineup, Amarante Sititi is back from injury and in at 6. On the bench, Cilia-Marie Po'e-Tofaeono is also back from her concussion. Make no mistake, this is as strong a Blues side as we've seen this season. With the exception of Maama Vaipulu who is still out on her red card suspension, I would say this is pretty close to the team they would name for a final.

So with a full(ish) strength team will we see a full performance from the reigning champs? They have been a little sluggish out the blocks, not as clinical as we've come to expect. This is the round the Blues need to click and if they do, it will be a lot of fun for all of us watching.

Matatū meanwhile are still playing around a bit with their shape. Marcelle Parkes starts at prop and Paris Lokotui is pushed out to start at 6. The back line is bolstered by Black Ferns 7s players. Alena Saili starting on the wing and Maia Davis at fullback.

Davis is the player I'm most excited to see tomorrow. Matatū have been pursuing her since her school days, recognising early what potential she has. She opted instead to go the sevens route but do not underestimate her in the longer format. The battle between her and Braxton Sorensen-McGee tomorrow is going to be epic.

I am hoping that Matatū bring back the pace and width of game one. They tried direct lines against Poua last week and just simply could not hold on to their own ball. Try that against the Blues and that back row will have a field day. Spin it like they did against Manawa though and they could set a pace the Blues have to chase.

With you (in Pukekohe hopefully!!!),
Alice