The Hurricanes Poua have transformed their season, ending a 12-game losing streak against Chiefs Manawa before producing arguably the finest performance in the club’s history with a 45-30 victory over the Blues.
For the first time this season, the Poua have named an unchanged starting XV, reflecting the continuity that has underpinned their recent form.
Black Ferns halfback Iritana Hohaia celebrates her 20th match, having missed only four possible games for the Poua since 2022.
A major milestone also beckons for first five Renee Holmes. Holmes is level with Isabella Waterman (41) for the most points scored by a Hurricanes Poua player. The 26-year-old Black Fern, who previously scored 148 points for Matatū and Chiefs Manawa, is just six points away from becoming the first player in Super Rugby Aupiki history to score 200 career points.
Holmes also scored two tries for Matatū in their dramatic 25-24 loss to the Poua in 2022.
Wikitoria Viljoen, Arene Landon-Lane and Anahera Hamahona were outstanding against the Blues. Landon-Lane, a landscaper by trade, hails from Wellington powerhouse Northern United and was selected for the New Zealand Under 20 team in 2024.
The only change to the match-day squad is on the bench, where midfielder Kokako Raki returns after missing the previous two matches. Raki, 20, has played 13 games for Bay of Plenty.