20 Mar 2023

Chiefs Manawa and Matatū into Super Rugby Aupiki final

6:11 am on 20 March 2023
Manawa fullback Tenika Willison scores a try.
Chiefs Manawa v Hurricanes Poua, Super Rugby Aupiki, Semi-Final 2. North Harbour Stadium, Sunday 19 March 2023. © Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz

Tenika Willison scored 20 points in the semi-final win. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

The unbeaten Chiefs Manawa will play Mataū in Saturday's Super Rugby Aupiki final.

The Manawa eased into the title decider with a 43-21 victory over the Hurricanes Poua in Sunday's second semi-final at North Harbour Stadium.

The Manawa scored six tries to three and will go into the final as heavy favourites to claim their second straight crown.

Chiefs centre Carla Hohepa opened the scoring after three minutes, while Manawa fullback and kicker Tenika Willison scored two tries and 20 points.

Matatū players Ona Palu and Grace Brooker celebrate their win over the Blues.

Matatū players Ona Palu and Grace Brooker celebrate their win over the Blues. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz

In Sunday's earlier semi-final, Matatū narrowly beat the Blues 26-23 at the same ground.

A hat-trick of tries for Chey Robins-Reti for the South Island side, helped Matatū into the weekend's final.

Meanwhile, the Highlanders got their win of the Super Rugby Pacific season with a 43-35 victory over Western Force in Invercargill.

-RNZ