Preview: Chiefs Manawa
If you come for the Queens, you best not miss.
The Chiefs franchise could be considered the earliest adopters of Women’s Super Rugby. All the way back in May of 2021, the Chiefs fielded a team to play against the Blues in the exhibition match that lead to the foundation of this competition. They took it seriously from the jump. Kitting out the team in custom jerseys which were subsequently embroidered and gifted to players to mark the occasion. They helped to arrange a trophy that is still up for grabs in the matches between these two sides.
They won that game and every one they have played since, setting the benchmark for women’s rugby at this level.
Manawa managed to navigate their way through last year’s hampered launch and play all their scheduled matches (except the final that was cancelled due to the COVID disruptions). They had Allan Bunting at the helm, making his return to fifteens and with him, the majority of Black Ferns 7s players. They dominated the competition, scoring a bucket load of tries including this one which was my favourite of last year’s domestic season.
With Bunting now recruited to the Black Ferns top job, his assistant Crystal Kaua takes the reins. In my ideal world, her replacement would have been another woman as assistant coach so we can further up our representation at this level but that’s a rant for a seperate newsletter.
Manawa are lucky there isn’t currently draft or salary cap to contend with when assembling your team because they would have blown it on their front row alone. They have no less than 6 Black Ferns capped players amongst their props and hookers.
It doesn’t get easier for opposition the further you work down the list. Chelsea Bremner has transferred up from Matatū and Charmaine Smith from the Blues. Kelsie Wills who has been knocking on the Black Ferns door is also named as a locking option. Their back row lists Black Ferns co-captain Kennedy Simon who is joined by Black Fern capped Dhys Faleafaga. Faleafaga who has been scooped up out of Wellington and will be making her return to play after the arrival of her twins.
Their 9/10 option is Arihiana Marino-Tauhinu and Hazel Tubic. Outside them, Carla Hohepa who is playing rugby like she is back at the 2010 World Cup final. Behind her? The hissing form of Tenika Willison. Who is linking up confidently with Black Ferns 7s prospect, Mererangi Paul. And it’s not just 15s and 7s internationals, Manawa has also recruited Kiwi Ferns Apii Nicholls and Abigail Roache fresh from their Rugby League World Cup final.
Stacked. The Manawa team is stacked.
The Manawa team is also supported by their franchise. You know I have preferred the standalone identity that Matatū have been able to establish but if you were going to integrate, the Manawa have done it best. Like Matatū, they have an extensive range of merch. Including a victory tee from last season and kit for kids. They launched a membership in year one, I’ve seen the unboxing of it and I’m jealous. They have actual Manawa players on the envelope (yes, the bar is that low but it’s the details for me).
By my nature, I will always root for an underdog which is why I should find it hard to cheer for the Manawa. In this context though, you have to cheer for women’s rugby being done right. They have set high standards for themselves and this competition, let’s see if anyone can else can catch up.
With you,
Alice