Who I'm watching in Round 1 of Aupiki 26

Super Rugby Aupiki kicks off tomorrow and I forgive you if didn't realise. Perhaps starting Aupiki in the middle of Super men's rugby playoffs is less than ideal but HEY, we are here now so let's lock in.

There are two games being played back to back tomorrow afternoon. The first has the Blues hosting the Poua at Eden Park at 2.05pm. Then Matatū will have their debut in the new Christchurch Stadium at 4.05pm against the Manawa.

Matatū continue to be my favourite because they have gone full hiss out the gate and pre-sold 10,000 tickets for tomorrow. Whatever they add to that number, it's already a new domestic women's rugby record. More than doubling the highest previous attendance of 4,800. To get there, they've employed this novel approach to the ticket sales, something called marketing. Five years of building their base is about to really pay off. Other franchises please take note.

But let's take a look at the team sheets so we can get ready to cheer on your favourites tomorrow.

GAME ONE: Blues vs Poua- 2.05pm, Eden Park or Sky Sport

You don't even have to support the Poua to be excited about two of the names they've dropped on this team sheet. I've already said that I thought Krystal Murray was unlucky to have missed out of the Pacific Four Series earlier this year. Will she prove me right and show that trademark razzle dazzle tomorrow?

Renee Holmes was obviously a huge signing for the Poua but her start tomorrow at 10 is a bigger deal for the Black Ferns. She has previously run scenarios for the top side at training but this is now a real test that could start a proper conversation about our options. Going head to head in this game with Ruahei Demant is the best start to Aupiki we could ask for.

The Blues look as stacked as they always do. Their starting 15 has no less than 9 current Black Ferns, 2 Black Ferns XV players and a 2017 World Cup winner to boot. There are threats everywhere but the biggest worry for the Poua are in the back row.

I have heard from multiple source just how good Amarante Sititi is and we all remember the break out star Taufa Bason from last season. Containing this young talent and the work horse that is Liana Mikaele-Tu'u is going to be a very tough assignment for the Poua.

The two players I will be watching closest tomorrow are also part of stories that stretch beyond this match. Hollyrae Mete-Renata starting at 12 is what we need to see. Sylvia Brunt is so excellent in that jersey to the point where she's effectively shut out all competition for it in the Black Ferns. We need to develop alternative options though and Hollyrae has been tipped for good things. I'm pleased to see that Aupiki is being used for development here as it should be.

Then on the bench, keep an eye on Tafito Lafaele. Tafito was Maama Vaipulu of 2022. Like Maama she was a former volleyballer and like Maama she was also right on the cusp of a World Cup squad. She missed out in 2022 and then went off to try her hand at league. Playing for the Brisbane Broncos, one of the top sides in the NRLW.

Tafito is one of the few players we've seen boomerang back after the shift in the calendar. A talented athlete, she's been developing in high performance a while now. More ready for a shot this time at age 25 than perhaps she was back in 2022. Her first challenge will be getting minutes off this stacked forward pack. Who knows where she can go from there.

I know my Poua will put up a fight but it's gonna be an incredibly tough match first up. Expect them to fight valiantly but for the Blues to slice them up with all of those exceptional ball runners.

Prediction: Braxton scores a ridiculous try, running 80 metres. Renee Holmes kicks a 50/22. Blues win by 30.

GAME TWO: Matatū vs Manawa -4.05pm, One Stadium or Sky Sport

It's a whole new look team that the Manawa have named tomorrow against a more experienced Matatū side. I'm expecting a struggle for Manawa as they find their feet and combinations.

Manawa will need their OGs, Kennedy Tukuafu and Chyna Hohepa, to lead by example and the next gen of Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu and Vici-Rose Green to be there right behind them. They have a heap of young talent in the back line but I'm not sure if they have the game drivers to let them loose. Feel free to prove me wrong Carys Dallinger.

I hope we get to see the ball get to the hands of Shyrah Tuliau-Tua'a. The 19 year old wasn't taken to the Pacific Four just to hold tackle bags. She will be impressive if she gets the chance.

The Matatū team by contrast is full of familiar faces. Amy du Plessis, Grace Brooker, Winnie Palamo, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Laura Bayfield and that tried and true combination of Hannah King and Maia Joseph. These are all players who play some of their best footy in the sky blue. Given the occasion tomorrow, we know they'll turn up to play.

What's exciting for me then is the few changes we see in their team. Santo Taumata is the first question mark. She was the 1 test bolter into the World Cup side in 2022 who then suffered a raft of injuries since. Matatū have proved themselves as an excellent place to return to full form - just ask Kaipo - so I sincerely hope this is the same story for Santo.

Paris Lokotui debuts tomorrow in her third domestic competition. Having already played top grade netball and basketball in New Zealand. I know she's raring to get stuck right in there and I look forward to seeing how she transitions.

On the bench it's another couple of front rowers that have my attention. Pride of Te Tai Tokerau, the young Wikitoria Rogers gets her Aupiki debut. She has a wealth of talent and is now being offered a real opportunity with the Matatū. Alongside her is the loose forward to hooker convert, Holly Greenway. With a log jam of talent in competition for jerseys 6-8, number 2 might just be Holly's ticket through to higher honours.

Messy to start, the teams will settle in before Matatū runs away with it I reckon.

Prediction: Excellent vibes at the stadium. They'll be passages from the Manawa and individual brilliance but ultimately a statement made by Matatū.
Matatū win by 12.

With you,
Alice