The 2023 Sky Super Rugby Aupiki finals weekend will see the nib Bules and Hurricanes Poua battle for third and fourth before defending champions Chiefs Manawa take on their southern rivals Matatū for the title.
The matches will be live on Sky TV with the third and fourth play-off kicking off at 11.35am and the final kicking off at 2.05pm. The final will also be broadcast live and free-to-air on Prime.
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki has provided plenty of entertainment for fans new and old to enjoy. There has been individual brillance from Black Ferns Rugby World Cup hero and Hurricanes Poua lock Joanah Ngan-Woo, who has won 24 lineouts, and attacking flair from nib Blues back Sylvia Brunt, who has cut team defences wide open with her impressive footwork in beating 22 defenders. Matatū fullback Renee Holmes tops the points scoring table with 36 points, while Chiefs Manawa hooker Luka Connor has crossed the try line six times, to be the competition’s leading try scorer.
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) General Manager Professional Rugby and Performance Chris Lendrum said the finals weekend would be a showcase of top-quality women’s rugby.
“It has been great to see the skills on display this season and the expanding base of talent that is emerging in our professional ranks. The matches have been high scoring and competitive throughout and the finals promise to deliver a fitting finale to the season.
“Sky Super Rugby Aupiki is a competition that’s capturing new audiences and it’s exciting to see the growth of the fan base as people respond to the quality of the rugby,” said Lendrum.
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki Finals Draw
Saturday 25 March, FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton
11.35am – nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua (live on Sky Television)
2.05pm – Chiefs Manawa v Matatū (live on Sky Television and Prime)
Sky Super Rugby Aupiki 2023 Finals Referee Appointments:
nib Blues v Hurricanes Poua: Natarsha Ganley (referee), Tiana Ngawati and Taneika Uerata (assistant referees), Lee Jeffrey (TMO).
Chiefs Manawa vs. Matatū: Nick Hogan (referee), Scott McKenzie and Cassie Watt (assistant referees), Aaron Paterson (TMO).
Game Day Information
Ticketing: https://www.superrugby.co.nz/aupiki/tickets/
Gates Open: 10.45am