When it's not your year

This week on the pod, we unpacked the Chiefs Manawa squad for 2026. The outlook doesn't look great for the franchise that once set the standard for this competition. Their results have been steadily been declining the last two season. Leading them to miss out on the final last year for the first time since the competition began.

The Manawa also had that social post before the full squad list dropped. Casually farewelling half of their team from 2025. Including no less than 12 capped Black Ferns. Disappointingly for fans, they have quite been the same Black Ferns magnet they have in seasons passed. Instead they've recruited a cast of young players to debut in Aupiki.

All of this points to tough times ahead for the Manawa. Of course, nothing is ever for certain but it's going to be an uphill climb to get this franchise back on top.

As a Hurricanes Poua fan, this is an all too familiar feeling. The women's team carrying on the same 'expect the unexpected' energy the men brought to my childhood. As a 11 year old, my prize possession was a t-shirt that celebrated the Wellington Lions NPC win. "Blood, Sweat and 13 Years" it read. Two more years than I'd existed since our city had last won the championship.

I think my mum bought it for me cause it was the cheapest merch on offer. Little did I know that slogan would be the tagline of the rugby fan experience I was assigned at birth.

Nevertheless, I will forever love the black and yellow. I will always cheer loudest for my sisters that represent my city. I will continue to do so proudly, regardless of the result.

All this to say, Manawa fans I'm here to help. It's a new space you're occupying as underdogs but there's still plenty to play for even if the results don't go your way. So here's my advice to get the most out of this season come what may.

1. Nothing to lose, everything to gain

Congratulations, you are no longer the favourites. That means your arms free to offload any and all pressure coming into a match. The spotlight of expectation is firmly on your opposition. It's their game to win and lose. Your story runs parallel mainly as a marker of how far they have come.

But don't worry. Out of the spotlight, you are now free to play. Any misfire is already expected making it easier to bounce back from. This also means anything good you do will be talked about in the most glowing of terms. Bask in those moments! Focus on the wins, no matter how small, and stack them up to build your own version of success.

For further inspiration see: The 2022 Black Ferns.
NO ONE was backing them to take that World Cup out. All pressure was loaded on England to not only win but win in a particular way. But we all saw what happened.

2. Focus on your favourite

Alright, when it's hard to see the pathway for the team's progression instead find your favourite player and lock in. Forget the scoresheet, their performance will become your wins this season.

Looking at your team sheet, may I suggest cheering for the continued rise of Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu? Each scrum now becomes a chance for you to win. Every shutout, every push over, an expression of your team's potential. Or perhaps you are here for the mana of your captain. Kennedy Tukuafu will be shouldering the weight of this change up. Can she channel this and become the mayor of turnover city?

Or is it about backing the next bolter? I gave you a backgrounder on Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a when she was a surprise feature of the Black Ferns PAC4 squad. Are you going to be her number one hype person ahead of the second wave of Black Ferns tests this year?

For further inspiration see: See every Hurricane Poua player that has catapulted out our squad into the Black Ferns. Kaipo Olsen-Baker and Hannah King, you can come back if you want babes.

3. Know your role

You already know this from your own lived experienced. When shit hits the fan you need your people. The person who kept showing up regardless, be that for your team. At home games, in the comment section, you are there being a fan. Cheering when your team does good, lifting them back up when things go bad. Sending messaged of support to those you saw shine no matter the scoreline.

Every game, every season, finishes with a winner and a loser but you don't have to be one. By continuing to turn up for your team, you force the franchise and the competition to do the same. That's the biggest win you can possibly have as a fan.

For further inspiration see: Look at the role fans have played in the two biggest Ws in recent women's sport. The pay equity claim for the US women's football team and the landmark collective agreement secured for the WNBA have both reset what is possible. Ushering in a new era of professionalism for their codes. These outcomes would not have been achieved without the fans being there to cheer them on.

So that's my advice for an underdog season. Take it or leave it but know that you will see me sideline in Round 3 in Pukekohe. That's when the Manawa play the Hurricanes Poua. I'll be there being the biggest fan of my team.

With you,
Alice