#Chiefs Manawa

The Aucklanders were outclassed by a smarter, more efficient Chiefs side that took advantage of two extra players in the second half when the Blues were issued two yellow cards while defending desperately. Black Ferns skipper Les Elder lifted the trophy to conclude the inaugural Kiwi women's Super Rugby in style after weeks of Covid-related…

The Chiefs Manawa have opened Sky Super Rugby Aupiki by holding on for a tense 17-15 victory over a determined Matatu side in Hamilton. The final analysis reads three tries apiece with contrasting halves - the first featuring some frenetic, open rugby, while the second was more tactical and defence-oriented. Rolling subs, 25-strong squads and…

Black Ferns Sevens star Ruby Tui is in line for a test debut after being named in the first Black Ferns squad of the year on Wednesday. Tui has been included in a 31-strong squad named by the new coaching staff comprised of Wayne Smith, Whitney Hansen and Wesley Clarke for next month's Pacific Four Series against Australia, the USA and Canada. With…

But there were moments in Thursday night's inaugural Super Rugby Aupiki clash between the Chiefs Manawa and Matatū where their thoughts betrayed them. This was not just another game. You could sense it in the energy and excitement reverberating off the players as they arrived at the ground and walked the turf in the early evening sun, some taking a…