Weekend Wrap: Poua rise, Warriors split results and All Blacks build for Ireland

The Matariki weekend delivered big wins, major milestones and plenty of talking points across rugby union and rugby league

Here's what you may have missed.

The All Blacks are two wins from two under new head coach Dave Rennie and captain Ardie Savea says they are moving in the right direction.

Following their 47-17 victory over Italy in Wellington on Saturday, Savea said the group was clear on what it needed to improve before facing Ireland at Eden Park this coming Saturday.

“We clearly understand where we want to go and how we want to play… just a little few things that we need to fix up, under pressure,” he told journalists after the match.

“It’s a good feel in this group, it’s just about identifying the things we need to nail, got to train it then execute it on game day.”

Ardie Savea, captain of the All Blacks. Photo/Kerry Marshall/Photosport

Rennie knows the challenge ahead will be tougher and told media post-match: “We need to be better against Ireland, then we were [against Italy.]”

The weekend also saw more milestones for the men in black.

Hurricanes winger Josh Moorby, and Blues forward Anton Segner made their debuts.

Will Jordan also created history, becoming the All Blacks’ leading try scorer with his 50th try in just 56 tests, passing Doug Howlett.

Hurricanes Poua proving doubters wrong

The Hurricanes Poua continue to rewrite their story in the women’s Super Rugby Aupiki competition.

After a winless 2025 campaign, the Poua have now won three straight matches, including a statement victory over previously unbeaten ladder leaders Matatū.

The result moves the Poua into third place, just one point behind defending champion the Blues, with a finals spot now within reach.

Poua co-captain Te Rauoriwa Gapper told SkySport the team have embraced being underestimated.

“There’s been a lot of hype around us… and a lot of talk about us not having a lot of Black Ferns and being the leftovers of Aotearoa, but we’ve just shown we’re the girls that do the unseen work and we can go the whole 80. We might not be a big team of heroes, but we’re a great team,” Gapper said.

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

Warriors women brought back to earth

The Warriors women suffered a tough afternoon in Canberra on Sunday, going down 42-16 to the Raiders.

Head coach Ron Griffiths admitted his side "didn't have the energy and effort" to match Canberra’s intensity.

The defeat was made harder by a growing injury list including the late withdrawal of playmaker Gayle Broughtin, who suffered a quad injury at training.

Griffiths said the focus was on recovery and sticking to the process. "I think we've got a great crew in terms of our medical staff, and they're working around the clock to get the players ready," Griffiths told journalists post-match.

"For us it's about making sure we stick to the process and work hard with the players we've got available for selection."

The Warriors will look to bounce back against the North Queensland Cowboys at Go Media Stadium on Friday, 17 July, with kick-off at 5.15pm (NZT).

Metanoia Fetalaiga of the Warriors'. Photo/Lukas Coch/Photosport

Warriors men find their spark

The Warriors men returned to the winners’ circle with a 32-6 victory over the Wests Tigers in Campbelltown last Friday night.

After losing three of their previous four matches, Andrew Webster's side rediscovered their attacking rhythm to strengthen their push for a top-four finish.

They now turn their attention to Saturday night's tussle with the St George Illawarra Dragons at Go Media Stadium. Kick-off is scheduled for 7.35pm (NZT).

Click here to keep up with the latest fixtures and results on the NRL.