Rugby: Record Aupiki crowd sets tone as Matatū and Blues fire early warning shots

Women's rugby in Aotearoa New Zealand has kicked into a new gear with a record crowd and two heavyweight performances marking a powerful opening weekend of Super Rugby Aupiki.

A crowd of 11,793 packed One NZ Stadium in Ōtautahi to watch Matatū overpower Chiefs Manawa 52-26.

It was the biggest attendance ever recorded for a standalone domestic women's rugby match in New Zealand.

The atmosphere matched the occasion with Matatū turning the milestone crowd into a launchpad for one of their most complete performances to date.

New signing Elinor-Plum King made an immediate impact, scoring a hat-trick on debut for the hosts. The outside back crossed twice in the final 10 minutes as Matatū finished with eight tries in the fast and clinical display.

Black Ferns halfback Maia Joseph was influential throughout, directing the attack with authority and scoring a try of her own as the hosts repeatedly found space across the park.

Former netball star Paris Lokotui, of Tongan heritage, also impressed in the forward pack, bringing physicality and energy around the breakdown in her Super Rugby Aupiki debut.

The occasion meant more than just points on the board. Lokutui later posted on Instagram: “This was for my village… All glory to God - super grateful.”

Chiefs Manawa showed flashes of promise through their set-piece strength, but they struggled to contain Matatū's speed and execution as the home side pulled away in front of the record crowd.

Blues deliver early title settlement

Across the country, defending champions the Blues made their own statement, defeating Hurricanes Poua 42-7 at Eden Park.

Even a 20-minute red card to lock Maama Vaipulu before halftime did not derail the Blues, who controlled the match with six tries in a composed opening-round victory.

Young Black Fern Braxton Sorensen-McGee opened the scoring after combining with fellow debutant Sariyah Paitai before former Chiefs Manawa back Mererangi Paul added another as the hosts built an early advantage.

The Hurricanes Poua briefly threatened when Samantha Taylor crossed to reduce the margin to seven points. But a yellow card to Krystal Murray proved costly for the visitors.

Milestone player Liana Mikaele-Tu'u celebrated her 20th appearance for the Blues with a try in the second half before Tafito Lafaele completed the scoring.

The result was particularly impressive given the Blues fielded seven debutants and entered the season following two pre-season defeats.

Round two will see the Blues travel to Chiefs country where they will play the Chiefs Manawa at FMG Stadium, Waikato. Kick-off Sunday 21 June, 2.05pm (NZT).

For more information on the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki click here.