Chiefs Manawa start season strong
Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club winger Merania Paraone grabbed a try in the Chiefs Manawa’s 46-24 Super Rugby Aupiki round-one win over the Hurricanes Poua at Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday.
After taking a five-point lead into the half-time break, the home side came out of the sheds firing in the second spell to run in four tries and record their impressive win over the Poua.
The visitors were no match for a well-drilled Manawa side, and with the new additions of Grace Steinmetz and Renee Holmes looking sharp in the backline, the Chiefs will have high hopes for 2024.
Chiefs Manawa were clinical everywhere, dominating at set-piece and carving the Poua up out wide.
Ruby Tui was at her damaging best on the left wing, along with Kennedy Simon, who charged hard all day through the middle of the field.
For the Poua, Layla Sae was impressive as usual, but she lacked adequate support from her fellow forwards at times.
“We knew it was going to be tough against Poua, it’s always a battle. It was like a game of two halves. It was tight both ways,” Chiefs Manawa head coach Crystal Kaua said.
“I think both teams are in a better place at this time of the year than we were last year. Going into the second half, we were able to tidy up some [areas] from the first half, and that allowed us to play a more expressive style. [I’m] real happy for this time of the year, but we’ve got a lot of work to do.
“As a whole team and unit, we’re
starting to move together well and there’s lots of individuals playing great code.”
This week sees the Chiefs Manawa face the Blues Women in Auckland, while the Hurricanes Poua take on Matatū in Wellington.
Chiefs Manawa 46 (Tries: Azalleyah Maaka, Kennedy Simon 2, Ruby Tui, Luka Connor 2, Merania Paraone. Conversions: Renee Holmes 4. Penalties: Renee Holmes).
Hurricanes Poua 24 (Tries: Elinor-Plum King, Layla Sae, Tamia Edwards. Conversions: Isabella Waterman 2, Kalyn Takitimu-Cook. Penalties: Isabella Waterman).