Round 2 of the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season delivered another weekend of dramatic contests, with the Blues and Matatu keeping their unbeaten starts in tact.
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The defending champion Blues made it back-to-back victories after surviving a thrilling challenge from Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton, overcoming multiple deficits to claim a one-point win in one of the matches of the season so far.
Meanwhile, Matatū also maintained their perfect start, producing a gritty defensive display to hold off a fast-finishing Hurricanes Poua in difficult conditions at Maidstone Park. After building a commanding halftime lead, the Christchurch outfit were forced to dig deep as the hosts mounted a spirited second-half comeback before eventually securing an important three-point victory.
With two rounds complete, both the Blues and Matatū remain unbeaten, setting up a mouth-watering clash between last season’s finalists as the race for the Super Rugby Aupiki title begins to gather momentum.
RECAP: 2026 SUPER RUGBY AUPIKI – ROUND 2
CHIEFS MANAWA 26-27 BLUES
The Blues maintained their unbeaten start to the 2026 Super Rugby Aupiki season, overcoming three separate deficits to claim a hard-fought 27-26 victory over Chiefs Manawa in Hamilton.
In a fiercely contested clash, the defending champions showed their trademark resilience, with winger Jaymie Kolose crossing for the match-winning try 14 minutes from full-time after an entertaining end-to-end encounter.
Chiefs Manawa struck first through prop Lonita Ngalu before Mererangi Paul levelled the scores for the visitors. The home side responded with tries to Carys Dallinger and Shyrah Tuliau-Tua’a to regain control, but the Blues stayed within touching distance thanks to first-half efforts from Tara Turner and Aldora Itunu.
The return of Black Fern Katelyn Vaha’akolo proved timely, with the winger finishing in the corner early in the second half to hand the Blues their first lead. Chiefs Manawa answered immediately through hooker Vici-Rose Green from a driving maul, setting up a tense final quarter.
The decisive moment came in the 66th minute when Kolose finished a slick attacking movement to edge the visitors back in front, with the Blues holding on through the closing stages to secure an important away victory.
Blues 27 (Tries: Paul, Turner, Itunu, Vaha’akolo, Kolose; Cons: Sorensen-McGee) def Chiefs Manawa 26 (Tries: Ngalu, Dallinger, Tuliau-Tua’a, Green; Cons: Dallinger 3).
Matatū survive Poua fightback to stay unbeaten
HURRICANES 15-18 MATATU
Matatū made it two wins from two to open the Super Rugby Aupiki season, surviving a spirited Hurricanes Poua comeback to record an 18-15 victory in difficult conditions at Maidstone Park.
The visitors controlled the opening half through disciplined defence and forward dominance, taking advantage of two early Hurricanes Poua yellow cards to build a 12-0 halftime lead.
After sustained pressure, Binky Muamua opened the scoring before Kaipo Olsen-Baker crossed following a powerful carry from Elinor-Plum King as Matatū dictated territory throughout the opening 40 minutes.
The Hurricanes Poua emerged after the break with renewed energy and capitalised when Pip Love was sent to the sin bin. Iritana Hohaia barged over to reduce the deficit before sustained pressure kept the visitors pinned inside their own half.
Hannah King’s accurate boot proved crucial, with the fly-half landing two second-half penalty goals to stretch Matatū’s advantage as the Poua continued to press.
The home side refused to go away, with Renee Holmes adding a penalty before Angel Mulu powered over late to reduce the margin to three points. However, Matatū’s defence stood firm in the closing minutes, controlling possession and winding down the clock to seal another valuable victory.
Matatū 18 (Tries: Muamua, Olsen-Baker; Cons: King; Pens: King 2) def Hurricanes Poua 15 (Tries: Hohaia, Mulu; Cons: Holmes; Pens: Holmes).
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